Mpumalanga – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has dismissed as fabricated a viral video claiming that a Namibian truck driver was assaulted by a South African during the recent national protests.
In a statement, SAPS said an investigation found that the incident shown in the video was unrelated to the protests and that the claims circulating on social media and some media platforms were false.
Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the circulation of the video, describing it as “fabricated and unacceptable”.
According to police, the incident actually took place on 6 June 2026 at a tavern in Hendrina, Mpumalanga.
Police said the individual involved was a Namibian national employed as a security guard, not a truck driver.
“It is alleged that a fight erupted over a woman between the Namibian national and a South African man. The Namibian national then allegedly drew a service firearm and shot at the South African man,” SAPS said.
Police responded to the scene, opened a case of attempted murder and arrested the suspect.
SAPS stressed that the incident had “nothing to do with the national protest action” and warned that the false narrative surrounding the video could inflame tensions and spread panic.
Mkhwanazi said the deliberate spread of misinformation sought to incite violence, undermine law enforcement efforts and destabilise communities.
He urged members of the public and media organisations to verify information before sharing or publishing it.
“The circulation of false content is irresponsible and has the potential to damage community relations,” the commissioner said.
SAPS also encouraged the public to report criminal activity to the nearest police station, via the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or anonymously through the MySAPS app.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting everyone living in South Africa and said they would not tolerate attempts to spread misinformation aimed at undermining public safety.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
