The South African Police Services (SAPS) has dismissed as fake news information circulating on social media about a break-in at the SAPS national logistics centre in Gauteng.
“The SAPS [South African Police Services] has noted with great concern about fake news circulating on social media. Especially WhatsApp messages. The SAPS calls on all who have published, seen or received the false news article. [They are urged] to ignore it and to refrain from sharing or disseminating false information,” said SAPS.
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the alleged break-in is fake news.
SAPS sets the record straight
Last week, there was a message being circulated on WhatsApp stating that there was a break-in at “SAPS stores and logistics offices in Silverton. A large quantity of SAPS uniform was stolen…,” read the message.
Last week, EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party was “dismayed and shocked by the reported break-in. This at the [SAPS] national logistics centre in Gauteng”.
“This reported robbery… is one of the most dangerous contradictions in the context of rising crime in South Africa. High-level SAPS locations, which ought to be the most feared places for criminals, are themselves victims of crime.
“Any criminal who would have the bravery to rob SAPS logistics, would surely seek to steal firearms. But in this instance, only police uniform was reportedly stolen.
EFF says alleged theft is aimed to undermine elections
“The EFF has it on good authority that this uniform is being stolen because there is an intention to use [it] to undermine the electoral process. [They want to] posture as law enforcement officials who will escort ballot boxes of the elections on the 29th of May 2024. This once voting stations have concluded counting,” said Thambo.
“A situation where criminals are in possession of the identification of law enforcement is a risk. It poses a risk to the collective safety of the people. And no cover-up should be tolerated. Because it means high-ranking officials in the SAPS are part of the crime itself,” said Thambo.
