Bulawayo residents are being terrorized – not by machete-wielding gangs, but by fake social media alarmists spreading panic and misinformation. According to Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, provincial police spokesperson, these false messages are causing unnecessary fear and panic among citizens. Some of the outrageous claims included a gang allegedly spotted near Basic Supermarket in Lobengula, which turned out to be workers going home, a “sighting” at the Parklands pits that didn’t happen, and a student from NUST allegedly attacked on her way to class, which was completely fabricated.

Despite the police making significant progress in addressing real crime issues, arresting three machete gangs responsible for over 20 criminal cases, the fake posts continue to spread, wasting police time and resources. Insp Msebele urges the public to think twice before sharing unverified information online and instead report suspicious activity directly to the police. In today’s digital age, it’s essential to verify information before sharing it online to prevent the spread of misinformation and promote a safer, more responsible online community.
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