Rumours on social media affects businesses in Ebrahim Daya Street, Trichardt
Mr Ashraf Daya, said the messages are irresponsible, wrong and insensitive.
Messages circulating like wildfire on social media that there is a Covid-19 outbreak in the business community around Ebrahim Daya Street, especially at A&E Supermarket / Hypermarket in Trichardt, have been slammed as fake news and very irresponsible rumours.
The messages – one in the form of a voice note, allegedly recorded by another Trichardt businessman, and the other in a text format – warn people to stay away from the “Indian” part of Trichardt because all of “them” are sick with Covid.
This began to spread after news that Mr Abu Bakr Daya (82) of A& E Supermarket passed away yesterday morning, 3 May.
His death is said to be Covid-related, although Mr Daya also had other underlying health issues.
One of his sons, Mr Ashraf Daya, said the messages are irresponsible, wrong and insensitive. He said the businesses are in operation and all safety measures are still in place. Another businessman in the area found the tone of the messages derogative and racist.
“Customers actually called to hear if I have Covid before they dare visit my store,” he said.
