Image: SUPPLIED
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.”
The warning follows the hijacking of a school transport minibus taxi carrying learners in KwaMpumuza earlier this week, an incident that sparked false claims on social media that immigrants had abducted the children.
A voice note that circulated widely alleged that foreign nationals were responsible for the incident, fuelling concern in several communities.
However, councillor Sbu Mtshali, who is familiar with the case, said the claims were completely false and warned that such misinformation could inflame tensions.
Speaking to the Sunday Tribune's sister publication, Isolezwe, Mtshali explained that the minibus taxi...
Image: SUPPLIED 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 falsel...