Thokoza cops warn about pranksters spreading fake news
This comes after rumours were spread that the owner of a local tavern had been arrested for trading during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The SAPS at the Thokoza police station have issued a stern warning to pranksters and peddlers of fake news in the township.
This comes after rumours were spread that the owner of a local tavern had been arrested for trading during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Kathorus MAIL received an anonymous tip-off claiming that the Thokoza SAPS were seen loading confiscated alcohol into police vans on March 28 around 7.40pm.
When approached for comment, Thokoza SAPS spokesperson Captain Mvelase said this was fabricated news.
“We have no one by that name on our records being arrested by our police any time on Sunday, March 28. Whoever gave you that information did not tell you the truth,” said the police captain.
Mvelase said this was not the first time someone had played such a trick on the public.
“A few days ago someone called the provincial SAPS headquarters and complained that the police in Thokoza were doing nothing about controlling the free movement of people after the president announced the 21-day Covid-19 lockdown. Meanwhile our officers were out there in a different section of the township, trying to keep residents indoors,” said an irate Mvelase.
“People flood local police stations to complain about issues that have nothing to do with the SAPS,” the captain added. Such issues include:
• Members of the public coming to the police to report child grant issues
• Spouses approaching the police to fetch their husbands at a girlfriend’s house
• Housewives lodging complaints at police stations about child support
• Young mothers reporting the loss of child grant cards and asking the police for replacements
• Residents asking police to issue them with permits to access government grants.
“Communities need to understand there are designated government departments that deal with all these issues and that is where they have to go to find assistance,” explained Mvelase, who believes communities need to be educated about the role of the police.
“People have to understand that the function of the law enforcement officers is not the same as that of social workers. The role of the police is to assist with crime-related matters.”
She issued a stern warning to members of the public who report fake crimes and make false claims against the police.
“Communities must understand the seriousness of the matter and consider the consequences of their actions,” said Mvelase.
