Prophet Makandiwa’s self confessed spiritual son, Prophet Shane, was this week arrested in Limpopo for spreading fake news about coronavirus.
Prophet Shane was nabbed in Thohoyandou after posting a video denouncing the call to stay home by President Ramaphosa.
The spiritual son to Makandiwa is heard saying the lockdown won’t help to curb the spread of the coronavirus, instead people should do what Prophet Makandiwa said, go out and get immunity.
Furthermore he is also heard saying the authorities, including the President, don’t believe in prayer, they never even once sought the big man of God for prayers are.
Prophet Shane was arrested after people raised complaints with the police and the Health Department.
Health MEC, Phophi Ramathuba welcomed the arrest. She says the arrest of a self-proclaimed prophet will serve as a deterrent to people who might think of spreading fake news.
Ramathuba says the department will not tolerate anyone spreading fake news and hurling insults at President especially when the country is battling against the spread of COVID-19.
She is called on members of the public to observe the rules and regulations of the lockdown.
Below is the full Media Statement
To All Media
11 April 2020
LIMPOPO HEALTH MEC WELCOMES THE ARREST OF AN ALLEGED PROPHET FOR CIRCULATING FAKE NEWS VIDEO
Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomes the arrest of an alleged prophet for circulating a video spreading fake news. The alleged prophet was arrested by the South African Police Services in the Thohoyandou area.
The police got a tip off from members of the public who were complaining about the video which is circulating of a man who calls himself a prophet, talking short and denouncing the call by the state president of staying at home during the national lockdown. The alleged prophet was seen on the video spreading misleading information which breaches the rules and regulations of COVID-19 period.
” As the department of health, we welcome the swift action taken by the South African Police service in apprehending the alleged prophet immediately after we alerted them.This will serve as a deterrent to many people who think it’s business as usual to spread misleading information and fake news. The department will not tolerate anyone spreading fake news and insults directed at our President especially during this trying times where we are all called upon to fight this COVID-19 pandemic” said MEC Ramathuba.
The MEC further reiterate the call by the State President and the Premier of observing the rules and regulations during the lockdown period.
End
Thilivhali Muavha
MEC’s Spokesperson
0660117034
Neil Shikwambana
Department Spokesperson
0664799887
