Police descended on a home in Oklahoma Street, Macassar, last Wednesday (23 February) where they started excavations in the back yard, reportedly searching for evidence of a woman, Denise Coetzee, who went missing in September 2010.
However, police detectives, crime scene management and forensics found no evidence of any remains and later in the day left the premises, but this was not before the viral rumours spread throughout the community with claims that the body had been found and her boyfriend was the alleged suspect.
Ward 109 Councillor Peter Helfrich said that the family was traumatised and devastated by the fake news surrounding the incident. News quickly spread on social media and residents flocked to the home, where they gathered outside while the excavation was underway.
“While no remains were found on the premises, fake news started spreading on social media speculating who the ‘murderer’ could be. A fake picture of the remains of Denise was also circulated,” said Helfrich. “I spoke to the family and they are devastated. Not only has the attacks on their family on social media hurt them, but the incident also reignited and triggered emotions and memories that they have over the years tried to deal with and forget.”
According to Helfrich, Denises’s daughter, Gerica, stated that she was not informed as to what sparked the excavation.
“I miss my mother and I would love to know what happened to her. However, my father is not a murderer. There is also no evidence that my mother is dead. My father would never hurt my mother. Those spreading fake news are putting our family and especially my father’s life at risk,” Gerica was quoted saying.
Helfrich also made a call on members of the community not to take part in the practice of spreading fake news. “No matter how much you want to share it, if you cannot confirm with absolute certainty that it is true, do not share it,” he said.
Macassar police did not divulge details on what led police to start the excavation, but confirmed that no evidence of the missing woman was found at the house.
“The investigation is ongoing,” said Sergeant Desire Adendolf.
