THE South African Police Service management in the Eastern Cape has expressed shock and concern at deceitful social media reports which depicted images of motorbikes and trailers masquerading with SAPS-like branding.
“These images were found to be in circulation in the social networks with fake branding bearing resemblance to that of the SAPS. Preliminary investigation has revealed that none of the police stations owns, designed or procured such fictitious equipment,” said provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga,
“A further investigation will be launched in order to uncover the sources and peddlers of these fabrications including their motives.”
The SAPS management has thus dispelled these social media reports as fake news and ordered an exhaustive investigation into this falsehood and deception.
“The Cybercrime unit will be carrying out investigations into this matter and those found to have been involved sources of these manufactured lies will be subjected to prosecution and this will include those who assisted in further circulation of the fake news through other social networks,” said Lieutenant General Ntshinga.
“The circulation of misinformation at a time where our communities are in desperate need of service delivery, is nothing but an act of undermining efforts undertaken by SAPS to bring services to the people.
“People must be wary of criminal elements who masquerade and impersonate the police in order to sow a seed of discontent and confusion among the communities,” said Lieutenant General Ntshinga.
Fake news is unlawful and criminal by design and purpose. Therefore, its peddlers will be dealt with and prosecuted in terms of the law without any mercy.
