Stop spreading fake news: SAPS sets record straight on kidnapped farmer Jerry Boshoga

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday called for responsible social media reporting around the kidnapping case of Jerry Boshoga.

The Pretoria businessman and farmer was kidnapped on 18 November last year, shortly after attending a business meeting.

This week, social media platforms have been awash with unverified social media accounts sharing “misleading and false information” claiming that Boshoga has been found deceased.

“The SAPS can confirm that the investigation into his kidnapping is still at a very sensitive stage and the businessman has not been found alive nor deceased. We therefore call on all social media users to stop the spread of unverified information,” said police national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

“Social media users are also urged to spare a thought for the family of the victim.”

Mathe said the spreading of such misleading information has caused unnecessary trauma, panic and anxiety for the close family members including his mother, wife and children.

The SAPS is in close contact with the family, and Mathe said if there are any developments in the case, the family will be the first to be notified by the investigating team.

Boshoga was abducted in Rooihuiskraal, Centurion, in Tshwane, shortly after attending a business meeting with an associate.

After Boshoga's disappearance last year, videos started circulating online, showing the 46-year-old being heavily tortured in a room. In the videos, Boshoga is also heard begging for his family members to pay the ransom.

The kidnappers initially demanded R25 million, which has now been reduced to R10 million for the release of the farmer.

In the videos, Boshoga has evident injuries and has a cloth stuffed in his mouth.

In one video, Boshoga addresses his mother: Hello mother. Please pay, pay now so they can release me. It is too bad. I really need you please, mother. Please come and pay. Please pay everything that they want, please. I am begging you ..."

In another video seen by IOL, Boshoga seems to be pleading with his wife to beg his father to raise the R10 million ransom required by the kidnappers.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News