Police warn the public against fabricated social media posts
SA – South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West Province is greatly concerned about an apparent irresponsible use of social media platforms. This is after a voice note was circulated over the weekend through various social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, that people were kidnapped for human trafficking in Mmabatho.
WHATSAPP VOICE NOTE
After becoming aware of the voice note, police conducted preliminary investigations to confirm the allegations. Police spokesperson brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that it turned out that no cases of kidnapping were reported either in Mmabatho or Mahikeng police station.
FALSE REPORTS
In Mmabatho, a voice note in which a man claimed that he saw a group of men entering various residences in Ramosadi village, Mahikeng, under the false pretence of selling electricity while they wanted to spot young girls for kidnapping purposes, was also circulated on social media platforms. To this end, that cannot be substantiated.
In Ikageng, Potchefstroom, a man was falsely accused of attempted kidnapping of a 12-year-old girl. Subsequently, the man’s picture and another one that resembles his BMW vehicle were posted on Facebook. Police investigations into the allegations including identification of the man who is well-known in Ikageng, proved that he was innocent and that at the time of the alleged incident, he was at Top City, where he took his car for repairs.
According to brigadier Sabata, in Taung, a message with claims that a 17-year-old girl was kidnapped in Itireleng village, was also circulated through WhatsApp. On contrary, it was established that it is a 19-year-old man who was on Sunday, 27 September 2020, allegedly kidnapped by a group of men who were looking for his uncle. The suspects were allegedly driving in three vehicles. The victim was taken to Mokasa II village where he was hit once with a hammer on the leg and later dropped off at Rooiwal village. No arrest has been affected and investigation into the matter continues. Although the motive is still unknown, kidnapping for purpose of human trafficking cannot be confirmed at this stage.
In another incident, a video went viral on social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp about an alleged kidnapping incident in Klerksdorp. Preliminary investigation conducted after police management in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District became aware of the video, showed that no such incident was reported in Klerksdorp. Furthermore, it is also apparent that the video was staged to cause fear among members of the public.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, lieutenant general Sello Kwena urges members of the community to exercise caution when sharing unconfirmed crime related information on social media platforms. He is appealing for responsible use of social media platforms and requests users to as far as possible, verify legitimacy of crime related videos and voice notes with the police before forwarding them as some may be found to be untruthful and contributing to the spread of false information.
TIP OFFS TO SAPS
Furthermore, allegations of this nature may lead to incidents of mob justice. As a result, the public is requested to report any criminal activity to the police for investigation rather than spreading false and unsubstantiated information as that impacts negatively on resources which are used to investigate such allegations.
The public is advised to share anonymous tip-offs by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Alternatively, tip-offs can be communicated via MYSAPS APP.