Fake news: Montclair police appeal to the public to verify information
Residents are urged to refrain from spreading misinformation on social media and to rather contact the police station to verify facts or to report a crime.
IN a bid to maintain calm and stability within the community, the Montclair police have issued a stern warning to the public to refrain from spreading fake news, citing its detrimental impact on public safety and the well-being of the community.
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This comes after a case was reported to the police station on June 11 about young men driving a White Etios, who were allegedly robbing residents in the area. The police warned the public that circulating false information on social media platforms causes undue panic and confusion.
Station commander Colonel Trevor Small said, “Montclair Police Station had one case reported where a White Etios was used during the alleged commission of the crime. Police are advising residents to report to the police should they have been a victim of a crime. This will assist the police to analyse and have strategies in place to effectively address such crimes,” said Small.
He urged the victims who are making statements on social media regarding alleged corruption cases committed by the police to contact his office so that the management can initiate disciplinary action.
“My office guarantees anonymity to whistle-blowers. Errant behaviour of police officers, who bring the police into disrepute, will be dealt with in terms of internal disciplinary measures. The principles of Batho Pele of service standards, accountability, openness and transparency, and also the redress of wrongs, remains at the core of the station’s management,” he added.
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Police spokesperson for Montclair Police Station Captain Cheryl Pillay said, “It must be recognised that the media plays an important role in creating awareness. The police must conform to the regulations of the Code of Conduct. I therefore implore media houses, as well as the community, who are placing unverified posts on social media, to refrain from doing so.
“The posts relating to crime or fake news can spread rapidly. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information which is unintentionally spread while disinformation refers to false or misleading information that is intentionally spread to deceive or mislead others.
“Crime affects all people, and the responsibility rests upon all to participate in active citizenry, where we, as a collective, can make all people feel safe through multidisciplinary collaborations or interventions. Crime affects us all, and the police cannot create a safe and secure environment without community participation. As a collective, we need to realign and re-position ourselves where we are able to squeeze crime to zero.”
“Montclair police remain committed to enhancing service delivery to the community of Montclair,” a statement read. Police are further encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the Rate Our Service online survey to assist the police in improving services.
The public is advised to seek authenticity and clarity from the office of the station commander of Montclair SAPS on 031 462 46219/17 or to alternately communicate via email at MONTCLAIR-SAPS@saps.gov.za or contact Captain Cheryl Pillay on 031 451 4372 or PillayJ2@saps.gov.za.
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