Police press release and water mermaid’s warning create panic

A local, so-called seer predicted a repeat of the disaster the past weekend, and even the police felt obliged to issue a warning. After much speculation regarding Mongwa Metsi’s flood warning last week, Steelburger/Lydenburg News looked deeper into the matter. This warning went viral on social media and WhatsApp. Capt Kaizer Moela put out a media statement about the water mermaid’s warning that the flood would be between 09:00 and 12:00 on Sunday July 18.

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Moela gave the following statement: “The community of greater Lydenburg is hereby warned of possible heavy rain or storm on Sunday July 18 from 09:00 to 12:00. The warning is informed by a report we received from a member of the public who approached a member of the SAPS informing her that she was sent by a mermaid to request the police to warn the public of heavy rain. The alleged messenger told the member that the mermaid will be taking her daughter somewhere during that time. We warn the community to be extra careful during that time and ensure that they are indoors and avoid unnecessary driving around. From the police side, we want to put it very clear that we are just conveying the message as we received it, if there will be no rain or storm as mentioned we appeal to the community not to point fingers at us because our role is to make the community aware of anything that might endanger the lives and properties of the community. We are looking forward to the safety of every inhabitant of our society”.

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Past Takatso Sedidi of AFM Mashishing Assembly, said residents were in fear on Sunday and some refused to go to work. Children were crying, begging their parents and grandparents not to leave the house before 13:00. He also personally received calls over the weekend. An old front page of Lowvelder (December 14, 2001) accompanied the article. The headline “Flash flood hell” may have confused readers. The article on the front page was about a little girl who discovered an old trophy in the mud near her house. It had belonged to the Kruger family. The Kruger family members died in the flood and it destroyed their house. The articles were in Afrikaans and the paper wants to point out that the anniversary of the flood is in December.

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“We believe in one God who created the universe and we give honour to Him and Him alone. We should not corrupt our conscience by giving significance to these rumours. Otherwise, we invite fear to rule our lives. The community should not panic. We accept there are people who believe in water spirits, it is very common in African spirituality. We also accept that the person who warned the police believes in water spirits,” he said.

Some comments from social media users on Facebook

“We have some questions to ask.” – Kgoptso Rodney Pule.

“She must be on drugs.” – Nyundu Sameklo.

The guy I saw lives at the taxi rank. Let’s respect such announcement.” – Solomon Letsoalo.