The North West police issued a stern warning against doing so on various social media platforms. Provincial police spokesperson, Sam Tselenyane, says at no stage has the police in the province released pictures linked to a case of business robbery recently reported in Mahikeng, as purported in some of the postings. 

He says people who disseminate false information may place others in danger or even create unnecessary panic. The will be tracked down for prosecution, he added. Tselanyane has since advised the public to use social media responsibly.

He says the South African Police Service (SAPS) is constitutionally mandated to prevent, combat and investigate crime and that includes warning, advising or requesting the public to give information about crime and possible criminals. He adds that the public should apply the following tips:

*Do not believe everything.

*Do post what you can say in real life.

*Do not share unverified information.

*Do not use your social media account to spread hate.

*Do not forget to cite your legitimate sources.

*Be careful about your source of information.

OFM News