The Limpopo provincial police commissioner has strongly denied the allegations circulating on social media that foreign nationals are collaborating with South Africans to kill people for their body parts. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed shock and disappointment over the baseless claims being shared on various social media platforms.
The content being shared on social media suggests that organised criminals are robbing vehicles and approaching residential homes under the guise of seeking help. Once inside the houses, they allegedly proceed to kill the occupants by removing their body parts while they are still alive. However, the police have refuted these claims, emphasizing that they are false and lack any factual basis.
Hadebe condemned the spreading of fake news, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media platforms. She warned that sharing inflammatory messages could lead to panic, confusion, and even incite violence. Individuals found sharing such content will face charges accordingly, and the public is urged to report such incidents promptly to law enforcement.
In a separate case, a 28-year-old man in Limpopo who was accused of impregnating a 13-year-old girl is facing statutory rape charges in Seshego township, Polokwane. The National Prosecution Authority spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, stated that the charge of sexual grooming was withdrawn due to insufficient evidence to support it.
The accused appeared in court where he abandoned his bail application and remains in custody. The arrest of the man came shortly after the victim gave birth to a baby boy on Christmas Day in 2024. The Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit apprehended the accused in December of the same year.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial to rely on verified information and refrain from spreading fake news that can lead to unwarranted panic and confusion. The police are working diligently to address such issues and ensure the safety and security of the community.