No, this great white shark did not wash up on a Durban beach

Social media has this week lit up with images of a massive great white shark that supposedly washed up on a Durban beach near uShaka Sea World.

As confirmed by the SA Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) on Tuesday, the photographs and Facebook posts are indeed a hoax.

“This post was first brought to our attention some two days ago, as having come from North Carolina,” said SAAMBR communications officer Ann Kunz.

“While great white sharks do occur in North Carolina waters, the post appears to have been Photoshopped, but obviously we cannot say for certain.”

Social media users are reminded to fact check posts before sharing, as not doing so can lead to confusion as hoaxes go viral.

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