SAPS condemn fake calls
Approximately 30% of the calls received by the Richards Bay 10111 Call Centre are prank calls, reporting fake crimes and incidents
THE Richards Bay 10111 Command Centre has condemned the reporting of fake incidents and prank calls.
Unit Commander, Capt Milton Gumede, appealed to the public to stop reporting fake crimes which waste state resources and time.
‘On average we receive about 1 300 calls per week and at least 30% of these calls are fake calls and complaints.
‘We have to treat every call seriously and dispatch our members to investigate, but too often discover there is nothing at the scene and the call was a prank.’
ALSO READ: ‘Hollywood’ sign prankster arrested
Gumede reacted to an incident on Monday when a member of the public called in to falsely report that a school learner had shot another.
‘Most prank calls come from cellphones, but we cannot trace them because that involves legal issues and we do not have the resources and time to trace every call.
‘We have also identified a trend of prank calls peaking during school holidays
‘Parents need to educate their children about the consequences of reporting fake crimes.
‘People must realise when they are busy reporting a fake crime, they are blocking the line for someone who needs to get through urgently.’
Vote for your favourite business in Zululand here: BestofZululand.co.za
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
