LIMPOPO – Police have warned the public against spreading false social media claims alleging that traditional healers in the province are buying people with dwarfism for R100 million.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the allegations, describing them as misleading, irresponsible and harmful.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the South African Police Service in Limpopo categorically rejected the claims and urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information.

“Members of the public are warned against spreading misinformation, as this may constitute an offence punishable by law,” said Ledwaba.

Police further cautioned that the circulation of such allegations creates unnecessary fear and could leave people living with dwarfism feeling unsafe within their communities.

“The circulation of this misinformation must stop immediately, as not everything should be treated as a joke, particularly when it has the potential to endanger the lives and dignity of others,” Ledwaba added.

Police in Limpopo have since launched an investigation into the source and spread of the claims.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation or help identify those responsible for spreading the misinformation has been urged to contact the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Limpopo, Major General Venetia Masingi, on 082 040 6751, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or their nearest police station.