Several police and privately owned motor vehicles have been damaged in a two-day period at the Bekkersdal Police Station following an allegedly “inciting” child kidnapping post.
Major General Mateisi, the Westrand Cluster Commander, has expressed her concern, since no reports of missing children were made in Bekkersdal.
She says inciting SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook messages that have been posted irresponsibly are creating panic in the communities.
“It’s always good to be alert, but irresponsible spreading of unfounded rumours should cease. I urge parents who have missing children to come forward immediately and report the matter at their nearest police station. Cases will be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators will be brought to book.
It is also a good practice to encourage children to be alert at all times,” Mateisi said.
Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police’s spokesperson, confirmed that on Wednesday, 24 May at about 6pm, an estimated 100 Bekkersdal women and children stormed the police station. Ernst says they hurled stones at the building and police vehicles.
“Colonel Nkwashu, the Bekkersdal Police station commander, intervened, and discovered that the crowd was concerned about the kidnapping of a number of children in the area. He spoke to the crowd, and they dispersed at approximately 8pm. Two police vehicles were damaged in the stoning.”
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Then, at about 8.20am on Thursday, 25 May, a crowd of 200 again stormed the police building.
“During the stampede, police and private motor vehicles were damaged. Members of the group once again alleged that they are not safe, due to child kidnapping. Approximately 90 per cent of the crowd were learners from two local secondary schools.”
Colonel Nkwashu is said to be addressing the issue with the upset scholars.
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