A family from Macassar has been left devastated after police rocked up at their house on Wednesday, 23 February to excavated a location on their premises in search of evidence believed to be the remains of Denise Coetzee who was reported missing in 2010.
According to ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, the news that spread quickly on social media had residents from all corners of the ward flock to their homes.
“While no remains were found on the premises, fake news started spreading on social media speculating who the ‘murderer’ could be. A fake picture of the remains of Denise was also circulated,” he said.
Helfrich told Cape {town} Etc that the family has now been left devastated as the attacks on social media have hurt them.
“I spoke to the family and they are devastated. Not only has the attacks, on their family, on social media hurt them, but the incident also reignited and triggered emotions and memories that they have over the years tried to deal with and forget.
“The family also live in fear as the fake news that is being spread has singled out Denise’s ex-husband as the murderer. They are worried that someone will try to hurt or kill him.”
Coetzee’s daughter, Gerica Mouton further mentioned she does not know what sparked the excavation as the police have not informed them yet.
“I miss my mother and I would love to know what happened to her. However, my father is not a murderer. There is also no evidence that my mother is dead.
“My father would never hurt my mother. Those spreading fake news are putting our family and especially my father’s life at risk,” Mouton reiterated.
Meanwhile, Helfrich went on to say that it’s not acceptable for anyone to spread fake news, especially fake news that endangers the lives of others.
“I call on members of the community not to partake in the practice of spreading fake news. No matter how much you want to share it, if you cannot confirm with absolute certainty that it is true, do not share it,” Helfrich said.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery
