BEWARE: Stop posting crime information on social media

HILLCREST SAPS communications officer, Capt Linzi Smith has asked the public to refrain from placing information received on crime watch groups onto social media.

“People need to understand that the minute they put something on social media where an investigation has been opened, it hampers service delivery and also amounts to a criminal offense of ‘defeating the ends of justice’ or ‘obstructing justice’. Interference in any criminal matter is a crime in itself,” said Smith.

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Smith said news, stories or gossip often seems more believable than the truth and have led to intimidation and damage to people’s reputation.

“Placing stories on social media hampers an investigation if suspects need to be arrested and recovery of property is hindered. Suspects in these issues also have access to social media and thus they go on the run and property is moved. This jeopardises our service delivery drastically.

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