Police to arrest fake news peddlers after spate of online hoaxes

Police have issued a strong warning to the public against sharing unverified information on social media, cautioning that such actions are causing unnecessary panic and could lead to arrests. The advisory comes after a recent spike in false reports circulating online claiming that residents in various neighbourhoods were attacked by criminals armed with machetes, knives, and axes.

In an interview yesterday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed concern over the dangerous trend of individuals spreading misinformation that fuels fear and unrest within communities.

"Sharing false information can create fear, disrupt daily life, and even incite violence. While it is important for people to stay informed, verifying facts before sharing is crucial. We will not hesitate to arrest those deliberately causing alarm and distress," Commissioner Nyathi said.

He urged the public to act responsibly on social media and rely on official channels for accurate updates.

"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 by being thoughtful about what we share. Unverified information can have real-world consequences," he added.

Commissioner Nyathi cited several examples of misleading messages recently circulating online. One such message involved a woman claiming she was attacked while escorting her children to school—a claim the police have confirmed to be false.

Another viral post showed a man allegedly hacked by a machete gang. Commissioner Nyathi clarified that the photo actually depicted 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 unrelated to any gang attack.

A third false report came from Wilson Banda, a member of a neighbourhood watch committee, who claimed to have seen a machete-wielding gang along Masiyephambili Drive in New Lobengula. Police clarified that the individuals were a family returning home carrying knobkerries for self-defence.

"Taking incidents from other towns and distorting information for selfish motives is a serious offence. People involved will soon face arrest," Commissioner Nyathi warned.

While debunking the fake reports, Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that Bulawayo has experienced a noticeable surge in robberies between December last year and May this year, particularly in suburbs including Sauerstown, Queens Park, Kumalo, Entumbane, and Hillside.

In response, police deployed specialized teams to affected areas, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects believed to be responsible for more than 20 robbery cases. Among them is the alleged ringleader, 46-year-old Kurauone Nkomo - also known as Samishy - a second-hand mobile phone dealer operating from Fusini Shopping Centre in Makokoba.

"He is the chief buyer of stolen mobile phones in the city and has been linked to all thefts in the recorded incidents," said Commissioner Nyathi.

Other suspects arrested include Prince Ngulube (18), Leeroy Sinda (19), Hardlife Sibanda (27), Terrence Nqobile Ngwenya (24), and Shelton Ncube (25), residing in Mzilikazi, Makokoba, Sauerstown, and Queens Park.

The police suspect the group may also be connected to murder cases, including the fatal machete attack on Farai Nyamunehere (46) in Emakhandeni, who was assaulted while walking with his wife after disembarking from a kombi.

Commissioner Nyathi emphasized that investigations are ongoing and further arrests are expected.

The police continue to urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to the nearest police stations, and refrain from spreading unverified information that can jeopardize public safety.