Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE have issued a stern warning to the public against the spread of unverified information on social media, cautioning that such actions are causing undue public panic and may lead to arrests. The warning follows a recent surge in false reports circulating online, which falsely claimed that residents in various neighbourhoods had been attacked by criminals wielding machetes, knives, and axes.
In an interview yesterday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals sharing falsehoods, which fuel alarm and distress within communities.
“It can create fear, disrupt daily life, and even incite violence. We understand that people want to stay informed, but it’s crucial to verify information before sharing it. Spreading unconfirmed reports can have serious consequences, and we will not hesitate to arrest those found to be deliberately causing alarm and distress,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to act responsibly on social media and to rely on official channels for accurate information.
“Before you hit that ‘share’ button, ask yourself: Is this information accurate? Where did it come from? Could it cause harm? Let’s work together to keep our communities safe and informed by being responsible and thoughtful about what we share online. Remember, sharing unverified information can have real-world consequences,” he said.
He cited several examples of misleading messages that have recently gone viral. One such message involved a woman claiming she was attacked while escorting her children to school — a claim Commissioner Nyathi dismissed as false.
Another example was a photo of a man allegedly hacked by a machete gang. Commissioner Nyathi clarified that the image actually showed a man injured in Nkayi during a separate incident at a drinking spot. The victim was treated at Mpilo Central Hospital, where his leg was amputated, but the injury was not the result of a gang attack.
A third viral message was shared by a man identified as Wilson Banda, a member of a neighbourhood watch committee, who claimed to have seen a machete-wielding gang walking along Masiyephambili Drive in New Lobengula. Commissioner Nyathi clarified that the individuals in question were a family returning home, carrying knobkerries for self-defence.
“Taking cases and instances from other towns and distorting the information to suit selfish motives is a serious offence. People will soon be arrested,” he warned.
While debunking the fake messages, Commissioner Nyathi also confirmed that Bulawayo has experienced a surge in robberies between December last year and May this year, particularly in suburbs such as Sauerstown, Queens Park, Kumalo, Entumbane, and Hillside.
He said police responded by deploying crack teams to the affected areas, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects believed to be behind more than 20 robbery cases. Among those arrested is the alleged ringleader, Kurauone Nkomo — also known as Samishy — a 46-year-old second-hand mobile phone dealer operating from Fusini Shopping Centre in Makokoba suburb.
“He is the chief buyer of all stolen mobile phones in the city and has been linked to all thefts of mobile phones in the recorded incidents,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The other suspects include Prince Ngulube (18), Leeroy Sinda (19), Hardlife Sibanda (27), Terrence Nqobile Ngwenya (24), and Shelton Ncube (25). They reside in various suburbs, including Mzilikazi, Makokoba, Sauerstown, and Queens Park.
Commissioner Nyathi said the suspects may also be linked to murder cases, including that of Farai Nyamunehere (46), who was fatally attacked with a machete in Emakhandeni suburb while walking with his wife after disembarking from a kombi.
He stressed that police investigations are ongoing and that further arrests may follow.
