News

Social media video a hoax

Conspiracy theorists have turned to social media to spread misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine.

The video currently circulating on social media has scored thousands of views, showing how a magnet sticks to the arm of people who allegedly received the vaccine.

The notion behind the video suggests that microchips are being implanted into recipients of the vaccine, and that the magnet sticks to the microchip’s hardware.

Despite these hoaxes already being debunked worldwide, www.mobserver.co.za decided to test the theory ourselves, with the help of Mr Sal Botha.

Mr Sal Botha’s Covid-19 vaccination record card.

Mr Botha is one of the citizens over 60, who received his vaccine at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital.

The video evidently shows that the magnet does not stick to his arm.

Residents are urged to refrain from spreading false information surrounding Covid-19 as well as the vaccine itself.

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Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.

Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.

A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

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Sjani Campher

Sjani has been working as a community journalist and photographer at the Middelburg Observer since 2018, during which she has been responsible for the content creation for both digital and print, as well as maintaining the publication's online platforms. She is a member of the Forum for Community Journalists, and focuses on fields including hard news, investigative reporting, human interest, columns and sports.
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