Mpumalanga police have dismissed as false a video circulating on social media and some media platforms claiming that a Namibian truck driver was assaulted by a South African during the June 30 protests targeting undocumented immigrants.
Police said the video is fabricated and does not depict an incident linked to the recent protest action.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said an investigation found that the incident shown in the video took place weeks before the protests and involved an unrelated altercation.
“The true version of the incident is that a Namibian National who is employed as a security guard was at a tavern in Hendrina, Mpumalanga, on the 6th of June 2026, having a service firearm.”
Masondo said it is alleged that a fight broke out over a woman between the Namibian national and a South African man.
“It is then that the Namibian National drew a service firearm and allegedly shot at the South African man.”
He said police responded to the scene, opened a case of attempted murder and arrested the suspect.
“Police responded to the scene and a case of attempted murder was opened and the suspect was arrested.”
Masondo stressed that the incident is unrelated to the nationwide protests.
“The matter is totally unrelated to the national protest action.”
Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the circulation of the misleading video.
He described the content as fabricated and unacceptable, warning that misinformation has the potential to inflame tensions and undermine public confidence.
“SAPS Mpumalanga urges members of the public and media houses to verify information before sharing or publishing.”
“The circulation of false content is irresponsible and has the potential to damage community relations.”
Mkhwanazi said the deliberate spread of misinformation seeks to incite violence and public panic while undermining the efforts of law enforcement and its partners to maintain peace and stability during the protests.
Police urged the public to report criminal activity to their nearest police station, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or anonymously through the MySAPS app.
“SAPS remains committed to protecting the rights of all people living in South Africa and will not tolerate any acts aimed at destabilising communities,” Mkhwanazi said.
IOL News
Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
