Covid-19 vaccine doesn’t have ‘666 beast mark’ – KZN MEC debunks conspiracy theories

Recently, aggrieved community members in Umlazi, KwaMashu, and Ntuzuma set fire to 5G towers, claiming that they were responsible for the spread of Covid-19 through radio waves.


KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu has urged people in the province to work with the government to help debunk myths around Covid-19 and its vaccines.

She also warned those spreading false information about the vaccine, saying they could be liable for prosecution.

Last Thursday, aggrieved community members in Umlazi, KwaMashu, and Ntuzuma set fire to the recently installed 5G masts.

This resulted in multi-million rand damages to telecommunication infrastructure and massive disruption of communication services.

These acts were reportedly driven by conspiracy theories claiming that the 5G network towers were responsible for the spread of the virus through radio waves.

ALSO READ: Minister, KZN premier condemn torching of 5G towers

Simelane-Zulu said they were working with the community, religious, and traditional leaders to counter the spread of false information.

“[The] vaccine represents the best hope to save lives. It represents the simplest and most effective way to save lives and the government is committed to saving,” said Simelane Zulu.

“Even in countries where there are no 5G networks, the virus is still spreading.”

Simelane-Zulu also assured people that the vaccine did not have the “666 beast mark” around it, adding that the vaccine was not linked or connected to any religion.

She urged people to verify all information before distributing it.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.

Read more on these topics

Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Access premium news and stories

Access to the top content, vouchers and other member only benefits