Police keep an eye on hot spots

POLICE in KwaZulu-Natal said they were still monitoring the situation in volatile KwaMashu and Ntuzuma, north of Durban, following unrest and public disorder in the townships.

Violence broke out on Monday due to fake reports of children being abducted in the area. Shops belonging to foreign nationals were looted, while Public Order police were also allegedly attacked and shots fired at them.

KZN acting provincial commissioner Major-General Bheki Langa urged the community of KwaMashu not to play into the hands of criminals who were allegedly using real concerns and fears to enrich themselves through the chaos they created.

“It is very disturbing to find that people continue to circulate fake information on social media, causing unnecessary panic and fear. Unfortunately there are gullible members in our communities that believe everything they find posted on social media platforms,” Langa said.

“Fortunately members of the media check with police before publishing information that might cause panic and fear in the community,” Langa said.

“As police, we will always issue an official statement through the media, as well as on our official social media accounts if there are any threats or crime trends that need to be brought to the attention of our communities.” – ANA