WhatsApp kidnap message a hoax
The message claimed children were being watched “24/7” and would be stolen in large numbers from schools and yards.
The ability of social media to spread information is its strength and weakness.
A WhatsApp broadcast message, warning of mass kidnappings across the country this week, has gone viral and left a path of panic in its wake.
Summarised, the message warned parents and guardians to be alert.
Claiming the information was taken from a television news broadcast, the message said children were being watched “24/7” and would be stolen in large numbers from schools and yards.
The message concluded by asking all to not let their guard down for a second.
Investigation into the contents of the message suggested it was based on a national news report, regarding the rate of children going missing in South Africa.
However, the validity of the message itself has been disproved.
Responding to national media, the Department of Education said it will take the threat seriously, even if it is merely another dumb ruse.
Parents are advised to be on continued alert, hoax or not.
