JMPD clarifies misleading social media post and video
The post falsely claims that JMPD officers recently arrested five illegal foreign nationals found in possession of stolen traffic lights.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has expressed concern over a misleading post and accompanying video circulating on various social media platforms.
The post falsely claims that JMPD officers recently arrested five illegal foreign nationals found in possession of stolen traffic lights.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the JMPD wishes to categorically state that this information is untrue.
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He said no such arrests were made, and the narrative attached to the visuals is completely fabricated.
“To set the record straight and prevent the further spread of misinformation, the JMPD clarifies the real context of the video and images being circulated,” said Fihla.
According to Fihla, the footage is not recent; it dates back two years. It originated from an operation in which the then JMPD Deputy Director of Region F1, now the JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, along with a team of officers, cleared the Johannesburg CBD roadway of damaged traffic lights that were obstructing traffic and posing a safety risk.
He said the specific video currently circulating on social media shows the later stage of that operation. It depicts a JMPD officer offloading and discarding those same broken traffic lights at a designated Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) depot in the city centre for safe disposal.
JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, said the JMPD strongly condemns the recycling of old footage and the creation of false narratives aimed at misleading the public and generating unnecessary sensationalism.
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“We urge social media users to exercise responsibility and verify facts before sharing content that undermines public trust. Spreading disinformation damages the reputation of our officers and municipal partners,” said Jaca.
