Police urge public to verify information before sharing it on social media platforms

POLICE in Richards Bay urge the public not to haphazardly share messages pertaining to threats of violence on social media without first verifying the information.

This plea comes from Station Commander, Colonel Msimangu, after a message – potentially a hoax – was circulated on Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups, which had police on high alert yesterday (Thursday).

Colonel Msimangu said the public should liaise with their local CPF structures, whose leaders are in constant communication with the police station during times of unrest, to gain updated information on any developments.

They should also do this to verify the contents of any messages they receive before sharing them.

‘The haphazard sharing of stories, rumours and hoaxes without verification causes much tension, panic and even hysteria among the public,’ said Richards Bay SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Debbie Ferreira.

‘But people must allso understand that there are times when the police simply cannot deal with the high volume of telephone calls as our members are involved hands-on in instances of public violence as we saw earlier this week.’

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