Ward 75 Councillor in Alexandra, Sannie Mavhona, urged residents not to spread fake news which could endanger public safety during the lockdown.
Mavhona said this after a recent hoax about food relief distribution resulted in many people queuing at Itlhokomeleng Old Age Home.
“It’s irresponsible and can result in injuries or damage to property when they jostle for nothing and react in anger from their desperation.”
She said the gathering which she addressed was dispersed by the police who also defused the tension that had built up. She said the culprit – who is known – claims to be a traditional healer.
Alexandra Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Simphiwe Mbatha confirmed police involvement. “But no case has been reported to help us investigate the matter as a criminal matter.”
He urged residents not to play around with the emotions of others, particularly poor and vulnerable people. “We shouldn’t add to their food insecurity which is already compounded by the lockdown.” This, Mbatha said, after Gauteng Premier David Makhura announced that food relief would be up-scaled as the nation headed for the two weeks extension of the lockdown.
