Police warn of fake news around human trafficking, kidnapping
Updated | By Sibahle Motha
Gauteng police have warned members of the public not to spread fake news on social media following claims of human trafficking and the kidnapping of women and children.
The warning comes amid a video clip on social media of a man frantically claiming to have witnessed the kidnapping of a woman at gunpoint at the Boulders shopping centre in Midrand.
Retweet for awareness guys😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/mPHKVLFJg1
— ziyanda_mbusi (@ziyanda_mbusi) September 22, 2020
Police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters says the incident was not a human trafficking incident but rather an armed robbery.
The incident occurred on Tuesday.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that two unknown suspects travelling in an SUV may have followed the woman from a bank where she had reportedly withdrawn a large amount of money,” says Peters.
“The suspects are said to have accosted the victim in the basement parking at the shopping center and demanded money from her at gunpoint.
ALSO READ: SANDF: No meeting to discuss the ANC
“The suspects made off with the victim's handbag and other valuables. Both the woman and a six-year old child who was with her were uninjured and are safe.”
A WhatsApp voice note is also doing the rounds, in which a woman claims a child was kidnapped at a Pick n Pay store in Brits.
She also claims similar incidents took place in Mbombela, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.
“The woman goes on to substantiate her lies by further claiming that police have confirmed to her that these incidents of kidnappings are on the increase,” says Peters.
"Police can confirm that this too, is nothing but just a perpetuation of this trending act of malice that only seeks to sow panic and pandemonium amongst communities."
Show's Stories
-
LISTEN: Actress Sophie Joans talks about her award-winning play
Two extraordinary stage talents, Sophie Joans and Rob van Vuuren, have t...
The Drive with Rob & Roz 4 hours ago -
LISTEN: The best road trip tips ahead of the Easter weekend
From traffic to packing, Rob Forbes and Rozanne McKenzie are sharing tip...
The Drive with Rob & Roz 7 hours ago