Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has dismissed a video circulating on social media that falsely claims foreign nationals are attacking South African citizens in Mayfair, Johannesburg.
Police said the footage being shared is not recent and was actually recorded during a looting-related protest in 2021.
“The management of the police in Gauteng has taken note of a video circulating on social media platforms claiming that foreign nationals are attacking South African citizens in Mayfair, Johannesburg,” SAPS said.
Authorities warned that the circulation of unverified content can fuel panic and potentially incite violence, while also undermining law enforcement efforts to maintain public order.
“The sharing of unverified content fuels public panic, can incite violence, and further undermines the ongoing efforts by government and law enforcement to maintain peace and uphold the law,” police said.
SAPS urged members of the public to exercise caution when sharing information online and to verify content before forwarding it.
Police also encouraged the public to report any criminal activity through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or anonymously via the MySAPSApp.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
