On the 18th of March 2020, the South African government issued a Government Gazette with a new regulation stating that fake news/ disinformation about COVID-19 is now a criminal offence in South Africa.

Fake news peddlers would face a fine or imprisonment if they chose to ignore the law aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The government has set up various ways for citizens to report fake news:

If you receive information that you suspect to be fake news, report it to fakenewsalert@dtps.gov.za or WhatsApp 067 966 4015.

Be sure to include a link or screenshot of the social media post, article or document.