The minibus taxi that was hijacked with learners inside in KwaMpumuza, Pietermaritzburg, sparking false rumours that foreign nationals had kidnapped the schoolchildren. The councillor of the area has appealed to the community to stop spreading false rumours while KZN police have warned residents that spreading fake news that could potentially incite violence may constitute a criminal offence.
KwaZulu-Natal police have warned that the spread of false information which could incite violence may constitute a criminal offence, following the circulation of voice notes falsely claiming that foreign nationals had kidnapped schoolchildren in Pietermaritzburg.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, particularly amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration issues.
“The spreading of false information that is likely to promote violence may amount to incitement of violence, which is a criminal offence,” said Netshiunda.
“Residents are warned to refrain from making inciteful and inflammatory statements. Social media users must also verify information before sharing to avoid being an accessory to the spreading of misinformation or disinformation.”
