The Western Cape police have warned against false social media posts after numerous posts appeared the last number of weeks about abductions and attempted abductions.
In two separate incidents last week angry community members from Parkwood and Hanover Park attacked people they accused of being kidnappers.
During the incident in Parkwood a man was set alight in his car.
Colonel Andrè Traut, police spokesperson, says social media is a scary place.
“Kindly be advised that social media platforms are not regulated, which allow people to create misconceptions and spread fake news, without being held accountable in most cases for their irresponsible actions. Kidnapping is a crime that requires responsible communication and the spreading of misinformation can jeopardise a sensitive police investigation. It is on this basis that we request the public to verify the source and authenticity of the information before sharing it on social media platforms,” says Traut.
Traut says sometimes social media is very helpful.
“We are mindful of the fact that social media is extremely beneficial when the public’s assistance is required or information is sought, but when it comes to the safety of others, social media must be applied with caution. “Our stance is very clear on vigilantism and no member of the public will be allowed to take the law into his or her own hands. We depend on community assistance to investigate and prevent crime and when a suspect is apprehended by a member of the public, that suspect must be handed over to the police without any delay or interference with the investigation,” says Traut.
Angus McKenzie, local ward councillor from Bonteheuwel, also expressed his dismay at what happened in Parkwood and fears it could happen in his community.
“We all understand the anxiety and stress of communities in relation to kidnapping and recent rumours of kidnapping, however as information becomes clearer on what took place in Parkwood today, the actions of a minority of individuals cannot go unpunished through the various law enforcement agencies.
“Our collective frustration with the police level of management is sadly no excuse to take the law into our own hands. While communities are on high alert during this time it is important that communities focus their attention on maintaining law and order and allowing law enforcement agencies to do what they must and insist that they do,” says McKenzie.
McKenzie encourages the community never to leave their children unattended. “
“We must ensure that we report concerns in the correct channels. These situations need not lead to barbaric mob justice acts,” he says.
