The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has urged the public to stop sharing visuals of road crashes as it has an impact on the mental health of primary and secondary victims.

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He said he acknowledges that crashes occur on public roads; hence, many people who see these crashes are keen on sharing such information. He said that, despite this, the public is urged to refrain from posting graphic images or videos on social media, as they can have a psychological impact on victims and survivors.

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This is according to Macie, who was reacting to the recent video of a crash that occurred near Balfour. The video in question shows bodies of people lying on the road and wreckage of vehicles involved in the crash.

“The images at times are received by psychologically unprepared victims with long -lasting impact.”

Macie said the public should assist by calling for emergency personnel, but once they take over the scene, no one else should interfere. He said individuals who graphic imagery of accidents on social media are liable for prosecution.