Ilembe District Municipality has denied the reports of a positive Covid-19 case at the district’s iLembe House office in KwaDukuza Town.

Municipal manager Geoffrey Kumalo said on Wednesday morning that the malicious report was “fake news”.

“The municipality has not received or been informed about any staff member in its employ who has tested positive for the virus.

“As management and councillors of iLembe, we would like to place on record that this has elements of fake news that is misleading, fabricated, and very mischievous,” said Kumalo.

He reminded residents that anyone who created or spread fake news about coronavirus were liable for prosecution. 

“As a sphere of government and one that is closest to the people, we not only have a responsibility to protect staff and councillors, but the general public as well, and will continue to do [so] by playing our role in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.”

He further assured residents that all municipal offices are safe including iLembe House and that all offices remain operational at this time. 

“All iLembe staff, councillors, and public who access our offices during the lockdown are on a daily basis, assessed with the thermometer and recorded.

“The municipality will never withhold any information because that will not be just breaking the law, but also be tantamount to unnecessarily and irresponsibly stigmatising the coronavirus.”

He then challenged whoever started the “baseless rumour” to come forward with facts, and the municipality would take appropriate action.

Residents and ratepayers were urged to stay at home during the lockdown and to also continue to pay for municipal services.

“Even though our banking hall located at iLembe House in KwaDukuza Town, remains open, ratepayers are encouraged to pay via Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs) and cell phone banking with the account number only of the client as a reference.”

Proof of payment can either be kept or emailed to Sandile.Myeni@ilembe.gov.za.

Ratepayers can also pay at third parties outlets such as the post office and Easy Pay outlets (at all major retailers).

To report fake news relating to Covid-19, you can send an email to fakenewsalert@dtps.gov.za or send a WhatsApp message to 067-9664015.

Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.