SAPS denies raid on Dudu Myeni's home amid fake news frenzy
Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi
THE South African Police Service (SAPS) has categorically dismissed claims pertaining to a raid conducted by its National Intervention Unit (NIU) at the residence of the late South African Airways (SAA) chairperson Dudu Myeni.
They were emphatic that no such operation occurred.
Reports flying wildly on social media on Wednesday evening suggested that R18 million was found stashed away at Myeni's Richard's Bay home.
As the rumour mill gained momentum, further claims circulated on various social media platforms, including a WhatsApp voice note asserting that luxury vehicles, including a Rolls Royce, accompanied by jewellery worth millions, were found at the premises.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS spokesperson, appealed to the public and social media users alike to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning of the potential harm it could inflict.
'The SAPS calls for responsible social media reporting and for users to verify information first before sharing.
"The SAPS, therefore, confirms no raid was undertaken by any of its units, including the National Intervention Unit (NIU),' Mathe stated.
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The rapid dissemination of such instances of "fake news" has become part and parcel of living presently in the digital age.
Unathi Dlamini, a legal expert from Shepston and Wylie, echoed Mathe's caution, elaborating on the implications of unchecked news sharing.
'Disseminating information happens so quickly; the downside is that not enough time is taken to interrogate the information and confirm the correctness. Unfortunately, the need to trend overtakes every other consideration,' she remarked.
Dlamini outlined methods for identifying fake news, emphasising careful reading and critical thinking.
Key indicators included assessing the credibility of the source, examining contextual clues that align with the content, being wary of sensationalist language, and applying simple common sense to determine the plausibility of claims.
'If you find something difficult to believe, dig deeper,' she advised, suggesting online tools like Google Image Search to verify images.
In a digital landscape fraught with misinformation, Dlamini also noted that individuals sharing false information could face legal repercussions under the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises certain types of harmful communication.
Furthermore, breaches of personal information could invoke the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), while defamation claims against individuals spreading falsehoods remain a viable recourse.
As news continues to spread rapidly across social platforms, vigilance and responsible sharing remain paramount in our collective fight against misinformation.
Fake news in South Africa goes far beyond being an online annoyance. It poses serious threats to democracy and human rights. Misinformation distorts conversations, erodes trust in public institutions, and sometimes leads to real-world violence.
Stories about social grants, false claims that stoke xenophobia, and digitally altered media can all have damaging effects.
Seshni Moodley, director of Seshni Moodley Attorneys incorporated, specialising in digital and human rights law, said the issue of fake news was alarming because it deepens existing divisions such as poverty, inequality, and widespread political scepticism.
Moodley said with most South Africans relying on social media as a source of information, misleading stories can spread rapidly, making it hard for the truth to catch up.
'When these falsehoods target vulnerable groups like migrants or those reliant on social assistance, the result is not just confusion.
"It's not just about bad journalism; it's about dignity, safety, and informed participation in society,' she concluded.
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