31/03/2020
No, government is not recording your phone calls or stalking you on social media
A WhatsApp message claiming that "new communication regulations" would allow government to record people's phone calls, monitor their WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter accounts, and that people forwarding religious or political messages would be arrested without a warrant has been doing the rounds.
A quick Google search revealed that the message is false and has been doing the rounds on social media as far back as 2017. It first appeared in India as a message from the "Ministry of Internal Regulation" - a ministry that does not exist in that country - and has resurfaced as the novel coronavirus continues to cause panic and fear.
No, you don't need a permit to go to shops
WhatsApp groups and other social media are inundated with false information and fear mongering. One such is that members of the public must fill in a permit before they will be permitted to visit shops, pharmacies or for "physical activity", among other "reasons" for leaving their homes.
This document is fake, and it is not a requirement to leave your home to acquire basic goods, Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson of the Government Communication and Information System, confirmed to News24. While Police Minister Bheki Cele warned of consequences for those who attempt to leave their homes - unless for essential purposes, such as buying groceries, seeking medical attention, collecting grants, buying medication, or emergencies - a permit to do so is not required.
(new24)
