SA Police Refute Fake News about Arsonist Arrests and Delivery Truck Hijackings

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has refuted  messages circulating on social media andWhatsApp… which are spreading fake news and misinformation on the #CapeFires.

In a statement Saturday late afternoon, SAPS said: “Various fake news reports are being spread on social media and WhatsApp and are posing a huge threat on efforts to relieve and successfully counter the situation caused by the devastating fires in Knysna.

“Rumours and fake news that is currently doing the rounds that two people with petrol cans had been arrested in connection with the fires in George and the surrounding areas are utterly false and unfounded.

“No arrests in this regard have been made yet. This same voice note alleges involvement of the two “suspects” in the devastating fires from Knysna to Port Elizabeth. This is also not true.

“Further rumours indicating the hi-jacking of delivery trucks that deliver humanitarian relief packages to Knysna are also untrue.

“The validity of all these rumours has been verified and found to be fake news.”

SAPS appealed to social media users to please not share these type of posts which create further unnecessary panic and chaos in a situation where resources are already stretched to its limits. Please always make sure the source is valid.

SAPS has increased visibility on the main and exit routes to and from Knysna where SAPS and Traffic official – both local and provincial – are monitoring the route to ensure the safety of all road users and the public in general.

Source: SAPS

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