KZN MEC for Social Development, Weziwe Thusi has condemned a spate of reports of missing children in Durban townships, which police have now confirmed to be false rumours.
The reports started in several sections of Umlazi and spread to nearby townships, including Folweni and KwaMakhutha.
Earlier today, police confirmed that none of the reported incidents have occurred and called on members of the public to stop spreading rumours.
“I have been following these reports and I must say I am shocked that people can start such rumours. It is uncalled for and unnecessary. What saddens me the most is that these reports are causing panic in communities and scaring children. They are also wasting the police’s precious time and resources, which could be better utilised elsewhere,” said Thusi.
She called on communities to remain calm. “We are not saying parents whose children go missing must not report them. We are simply saying the lies currently being spread verbally and through social networks are not helping the situation. For example, we have not heard from a single parent whose child is missing or a school teacher who says a child in my class has not come to school. I really do not know where these rumours come from, but they must stop. As parents we must focus on our responsibility, which is to look after our children and protect them from any harm. It cannot be us who spread rumours that will affect their sense of security.”
