eThekwini Metro Police debunk viral N3 shutdown video
The video being shared widely across social media, that purported the N3 was closed due to a protest, is a hoax.
A video of cars blockading the N3 went viral on social media and has caused unnecessary panic among residents in the wake of the recent looting that shook KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Metro Police confirmed the video that is currently circulating is a revived clip from the artists protesting on the N3 last year.
eThekwini Metro Police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, said, “People are causing an emotional stir. We are monitoring and we have plans and contingency plans in place. The video that is being shared is not current.”
Sewpersad urged residents to refrain from sharing videos, voice notes or messages via social media that could not be verified.
“It is fear mongering and it is dangerous,” he said.
Brad Nathanson of Brad Nathanson investigations reiterated this statement after a WhatsApp message was shared and the name of a brigadier was mentioned.
“When you send out a message that you insist comes from the most credible source, the reader will automatically be filled with fear mostly because the sender has sworn the credibility thereof and supported the content of the message by dropping in a name of a high ranking member of the SAPS,” said Nathanson.
Nathanson then contacted the brigadier directly to confirm the message and its contents.
“He knew nothing of the WhatsApp. WhatsApps that do not declare the name of the author, or the name of the person who created the voice note, should not be entertained at all and, in fact, should end with you,” he said.
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