According to reports, the Western Cape police denied that its police stations in Cape Town would close as a result of the novel coronavirus.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said reports on social media to that effect were “fake news”.
“The SAPS in the Western Cape wishes to contest social media reports doing rounds about the closure of a number of Cape Town police stations as a result of an outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as fake news,” Potelwa said.
According to the fake news posts, the police stations set to shutdown, include among others, Delft, Mfuleni, Kuilsriver, and Khayelitsha. The posts advise police officials to stay away from work until after the Easter weekend.
“The management of the SAPS in the Province views the social media posts as mischievous, meant to sow unnecessary panic and confusion.”
“All 151 police stations within the Western Cape remain operational serving the various communities of the Province. Any SAPS communication pertaining to operations at police stations is disseminated through official SAPS mediums and platforms.”
“Social media users are henceforth warned against posting untruths and advised to verify the information before disseminating.”
