Police Warn Social Media Users To Verify Information Before Posting On Chats
The following Media Statement from South African Police Service yesterday
Police are once again appealing to social media users to refrain from posting unverified information on social media sites.
This follows after two unrelated incidents were circulating on social media platforms yesterday, Wednesday, 5 September 2018, warning community members of incidents of kidnapping of children in and around the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (PE, Motherwell and Uitenhage) .Police will also like to allay fears on social media that no truck was stopped that was used in transporting of children on suspicion of trafficking between Nanaga and Port Elizabeth however police wish to state that a small van was stopped that was conveying illegal immigrants. The case is being dealt with by the Hawks.
There are a lot of information circulating around the abduction of children, and we acknowledge your fear as parents. Police would like to commend the public on their vigilance regarding safety while at the same time we must be cautious how information is relayed on social media without verification. Distortion of facts can have dire consequences and cause unnecessary panic and mayhem in the community. Social media is an important communication platform and assist police in combatting crime and arresting criminals.
The South African Police Service assures the community that continuous awareness and educational talks on the safety of our children are done at schools and institutions.
An urgent appeal is made to people in instances where you suspect a crime may have been committed or anything suspicious to contact the police first to verify such information. In cases where children are involved, the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) may be contacted as well as the sector manager of your particular area. Discuss your concerns and let us together make informed decisions before posting on social media. Be assured that all information is treated with the utmost urgency.
Enquiries : Col Priscilla Naidu 071 362 8726
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