Fake news attempts about arsonist arrests and hijacking donation trucks are just trying to derail humanitarian need to Knysna.
Capt. Malcolm Pojie, spokesperson for the South African Police in Southern Cape has released an important statement with regards to the fake news currently being shared on social media.
Various fake news being spread on social media is posting 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 surroundings, are utterly false and unfounded. No arrests in this regard has 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 who delivers humanitarian relieve packages to Knysna is also untrue.
The validity of all these rumors has been verified and found to be fake news. We appeal on social media operators to revert from this practice as it creates further havoc and chaos in an situation where resources are already stretched to its limits.
We have increased visibility on the main and exit routes to and from Knysna by redirecting Saps and traffic, both local and provincial officials en-route to ensure safety of all road users and the public in general.
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