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Many South Africans turn to community WhatsApp groups for safety because trust in police remains low but experts warn that misinformation, bias and poor moderation could turn the platforms into drivers of fear rather than protection

Community WhatsApp groups may be amplifying fear, not preventing crime

Many South Africans turn to community WhatsApp groups for safety because trust in police remains low but experts warn that misinformation, bias and poor moderation could turn the platforms into drivers of fear rather than protection

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
Public trust in the South African Police Service is at an all-time low, with just over a fifth of citizens having faith in the police since 2022 (File photo by Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Crime stats: Eastern Cape has highest murder rate

Although murders declined nationally by 5.8% for the second quarter, the province’s numbers increased because of the ‘Lusikisiki massacre’

  • Des Erasmus
2 min read
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said parts of the country face a “wave of extortion and other related crimes”, with Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape accounting for 73% of all reported crimes. (Photo by Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

South Africa ‘torn apart’ by extortionists, MPs say during debate

The problem started with the ‘construction mafia’ and now pervades the private sphere and most business sectors

  • Eyaaz
4 min read