NEWCASTLE KZN: Voice note on water shortages is ‘fake news’

The Newcastle Municipality said it had learned with ‘shock and dismay’ that a voice note has been doing the rounds, stating residents should collect and store bulk water due to a strike by Uthukela Water employees.

This, said Head of Communications for the municipality, Mlungisi Khumalo, was an unsubstantiated rumour and amounts to little more than ‘fake news’.

“The voice note further states there will be water shortages as a result of this strike,” said Khumalo.

He said the municipality places on the record that it is unaware of such a strike and ultimately dismisses this rumour with the contempt it deserves.

“The municipality is saddened that these rumours have circulated throughout social media because it has sparked unnecessary panic. Residents are urged to ignore the voice note and refrain from bulk collection of water as this might put a strain on the water supply,” explained Khumalo.

He added that the country is currently grappling with strained water supply due to drought and rumours such as these could be detrimental to the already existing problem.

“The spread of malicious and damaging fake news is a crime which can result in possible jail time. Anyone with information about the creator of the voice note is urged to notify the municipality immediately… A case of defamation against the institution will be opened with the relevant law enforcement agency,” said Khumalo.

He concluded by mentioning that residents are urged to continue using water sparingly:

“The municipality is committed to dispensing basic services to all its residents.”

ALSO READ: Municipality clears two ‘illegal dumping’ sites

Contact us

WhatsApp: 082 874 5550

Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

Make sure you follow us for regular updates: