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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has dismissed a viral social media video claiming that a Namibian truck driver was assaulted during the recent national protests, describing the footage as fabricated and misleading.

According to SAPS, an investigation found that the incident shown in the video is unrelated to the protests.

Police said the footage stems from an incident at a tavern in Hendrina on June 6, where a Namibian national employed as a security guard allegedly became involved in a fight with a South African man over a woman.

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During the altercation, the security guard allegedly drew his service firearm and shot at the other man. Police responded to the scene, opened a case of attempted murder and arrested the suspect.

SAPS stressed that the incident had no connection to the recent national protest action.

Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation, saying false content has the potential to incite violence, create public panic and undermine the work of law enforcement.

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Police urged the public and media organisations to verify information before sharing or publishing it, warning that the spread of false information can damage community relations.

SAPS reiterated its commitment to protecting all people living in South Africa and encouraged anyone with information about criminal activity to report it to their nearest police station, the Crime Stop hotline or via the MySAPS app.