Bolhuis on kidnapping: Fake news SA’s no. 1 sport
The spreading of fake news is often detrimental in kidnapping cases.
POLOKWANE – Fake news buys criminals time.
This is the opinion of a specialist crime investigator as well as the CEO of a private security company regarding the kidnapping case of the four Moti brothers.
Specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis this week spoke out about the misinformation that has been prevalent since the start of the case in which Zidan (6), Zayyad (11), Alaan (13) and Zia (15) Moti were abducted.
Various rumours and misinformation regarding the case, the whereabouts of the children and reported ransom demands have surfaced on social media platforms.
Bolhuis said people are often irresponsible on social media and post without thinking about the consequences. “Fake news is such a big problem in South Africa and police have warned about it multiple times. If you have any information, report it to the relevant authorities or contact us.”
He re-emphasised that in the Moti case, no evidence was left behind and the attack was carefully planned. “This was a perfectly planned kidnapping. If you really want to help, do not just publish hearsay or possible misinformation. Beware of publishing information if there is an investigation into the matter as this may harm the safety of the children. The posting of valuable information is adverse for the investigation.”
Bolhuis, who seldom minces his words, described spreading fake news as “South Africa’s number one sport”.
Type of fake news
“People hear things and want to get involved and get on the bandwagon. They react to everything.” The information received from such people is often such that spreads on social media. He explained that ‘digital junkies’ post and react without analysing what impact their post might have. “The three most important things to do before you post something like this is identification, evaluation and risk analyses in regard to the post. If you do not do this, you place preconceived ideas without context.”
Bolhuis said people often don’t consider the impact a post might have on those who read it, the country, the investigation and the family involved.
Information has three categories
He urged those who believe they have information, to contact the relevant authorities before they publish it on social media. “Information needs to be verified and has three categories; factual, presumable and hearsay. The information needs to be turned into factual information otherwise it is misinformation. Thieves are often connected internationally and get their instructions from outside the borders. The case might possible be transatlantic and the thieves might possible be connected with involved parties such as corrupt police officials, gangsters and other informants. They will know what goes on, on social media and this is how they ensure their safety.”
Bolhuis concluded to say that the kidnappers might continue to delay their contact with the parents to ensure they are desperate and agree to a ransom amount. “We have dealt with a lot of these cases and unfortunately these kidnappers are well connected and tend to get away.”
‘Fake news buys criminals time’
Mighty Tactical Reaction Services CEO Shaahid Valjie agrees.
“We deal with a lot of information that needs to be verified and the source of the information, such as a WhatsApp message, will be traced to verify the information. Fake news buys criminals time and this is what the kidnappers want to ensure their safety. We also deal with the distortion of information as it gets spread throughout and then we end up wasting time looking for the wrong things.”
Valjie added that the search for the boys continues and said the information they deal with remains confidential because of the sensitivity of the case.
