A TikTok page sparked widespread alarm after falsely claiming that South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, had died in a car crash, a claim that was quickly debunked but not before reaching thousands of users and spreading rapidly across multiple social media platforms.
The baseless post, which appeared without any credible source or confirmation, gained traction as it was shared and reposted, fuelling speculation among online users. Despite the lack of evidence, the claim travelled fast.
No official reports or emergency services confirmed any such incident, and it soon became clear that the claim was entirely fabricated.
Responding to the hoax, the McKenzie’s spokesperson, Steve Motale, dismissed it as malicious and attention-seeking misinformation.
Outrage as fake TikTok post claims minister died in crash.
“We are not taking it seriously. Obviously, it is the web of very, very evil people who are idling and don’t know how to use their time,” he told IOL.
He added that the minister is alive and continuing with his duties.
Motale also stressed that while the incident was condemned, it would not be given unnecessary attention by officials, suggesting that amplifying such content only serves those behind it.
“It is the first time they’ve done this to the minister as far as I’m aware. We condemn it in the strongest terms, and we don’t even want to give attention to it. We don’t want to spread nonsense,” he added.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) has come out in defence of Minister Sisisi Tolashe amid national media scrutiny over not only SUVs which were donated and wound up in her possession, but also after allegations were raised that public resources were diverted for private benefit.The DSD issued a statement on Wednesday morning calling on media practitioners to maintain “a clear distinction between verified facts and information driven by the […]
