-Rejects Blackmail Allegations
Joseph Tumbey, Managing Editor of the Afric Daily Newspaper, has strongly rejected allegations made by the National Beverage Inc., producers of Diamond Mineral Water, labeling him a blackmailer. He described the company’s response to his recent investigative report as crap and illogical.
Tumbey has publicly challenged the company to present any evidence they claim to have, instead of “hiding behind lies and misinformation to push their own agenda.”
“What do you expect from newsmakers when they are cornered?” Tumbey asked. “They will say lot of craps to satisfy their desire. I challenge Diamond Mineral Water to provide evidence, be it text messages or video footage, to substantiate their claims that my report was meant to blackmail them.”
He further accused the company of misusing the term “blackmail” to deflect accountability.
“If they sincerely believe I Joseph Tumbey attempted to blackmail them, why didn’t they report the matter earlier to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), the Liberia National Police (LNP), or any relevant authority? Why now, after I completed a thorough and balanced investigation and published my story?” he questioned.
The controversy stems from an article published by Afric Daily Newspaper, in which Tumbey reported a serious public health concern involving Diamond Mineral Water. According to the report, a team of Liberian journalists uncovered evidence suggesting that the company has been engaged in re-bottling contaminated water for sale.
The article stated: “An investigation conducted by a team of Liberian journalists uncovered a disturbing public health threat involving a local mineral water company. The company, which produces Diamond Mineral Water, is allegedly involved in re-bottling contaminated water under unhygienic conditions.”
The report included claims that the company’s workers were seen handling large quantities of water-filled sacks and bottle caps in unsanitary environments, allegedly refilling and sealing bottles without proper hygiene protocols.
Tumbey’s article narrated that during a visit to the company’s facility, a woman identified only as Hawa—believed to be a senior staff member—reportedly spoke off the record, admitting to the practice. She claimed that government agencies, including the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), had granted the company permission.
However, when pressed for documentation, Hawa, through an intermediary, presented what she said were laboratory test results from September 2023 to support the water’s safety. Efforts to verify the authenticity of those documents with relevant regulatory agencies are still ongoing.
This article went viral like wildfire, claiming the attention of the public, government agencies, and international partners, questioning the hygienic status of Diamond Mineral water.
Tumbey has vowed to continue pursuing the truth and maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of mounting pressure.
