To an ordinary citizen, posting information about crimes on various social media platforms may seem like the right thing to do as it helps combat crime and keeps people aware.
However, sometimes if that information is unverified it can do more harm than good.
“Publishing the wrong information on social media can have serious consequences,” said the communications officer of the Edenvale SAPS, Warrant Officer Jean Olckers.
“It’s a huge problem. The correct information is very important,” said W/O Olckers.
He used the posting of vehicle registration plates on social media as an example.
W/O Olckers said criminals sometimes take the licence plates off vehicles and use them when they commit crimes and the public then shares the information.
“This can lead to the endangerment of civilians,” he said
Mrs Linda Mckenzie of the ECPF said the posting of false information on social media can create fear in the public. She said all information has to be vetted by the SAPS or the CPF.
Both W/O Olckers and station commander Colonel Eddie Trollip agreed and said Whatsapp groups can be helpful in the fight against crime.
“We urge people to make sure the information is 100 percent correct. Verify it with the SAPS before positing,” said W/O Olckers.
“Sometimes people post old crime on social media and create fear and a sense of lawlessness,” said Col Trollip.
