BPS cites false murder post in Block 6 that got 1,500+ reactions as example of dangerous misinformation
GABORONE – The Botswana Police Service has issued a stern warning to social media users and online publishers, saying individuals who create or share fake news could face criminal charges, fines of up to P20,000, imprisonment for one year, or both.
In a media release dated 2nd June, 2026, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Near Bagali, the BPS expressed growing concern over the “increasing circulation of fake news and misleading information on social media platforms” that is causing public fear and disrupting peace.
The warning comes as self-styled online publishers and ordinary users increasingly spread unverified stories that go viral before facts can be established.
Block 6 murder hoax: A case study in viral misinformation
To illustrate the danger, the BPS pointed to a recent Facebook post that falsely claimed a 48-year-old man had been “brutally murdered by teenagers in Block 6, Gaborone”.
“Investigations established that the story was entirely false,” the police stated. “Despite its lack of factual basis, the post attracted more than 1,500 reactions, with many readers believing the information to be true.”
The post spread rapidly across WhatsApp groups and Facebook timelines, causing panic among Block 6 residents and relatives of people living in the area. Many shared it “for awareness” before checking if it was true.
This pattern, according to police, is becoming common: fabricated stories designed to trigger fear, anger, or shock spread faster than corrections, and the damage is already done by the time police issue a denial.
The law: What you can be charged with
The BPS reminded the public that sharing or publishing false information is not just “irresponsible” – it’s a criminal offence under Botswana law. Two key pieces of legislation apply:
1. Section 59 of the Penal Code
This section prohibits the publication of false statements, rumours, or reports that are likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb public peace.
If you post “BREAKING: Terror attack at Main Mall” when nothing happened, or share a voice note claiming “Masisi has resigned”, you could be charged under this section.
2. Section 18 of the Cybercrime and Computer-Related Crimes Act
This law targets electronic communication. It states that any person who “willfully, maliciously, or repeatedly uses electronic communication to disturb or attempt to disturb the peace, quiet, or privacy of another person without legitimate purpose” commits an offence.
Upon conviction under this Act, offenders may be liable to a fine not exceeding P20,000.00, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.
The law applies whether you’re the original author or just the person who hit “Forward” on WhatsApp. “Sharing” is treated the same as “publishing”.
Why fake news is a national security issue, not just gossip
The BPS warned that misinformation does more than cause panic. It has real social and economic consequences:
1. Public safety: False reports of crime, protests, or violence can trigger mob justice, stampedes, or unnecessary 911 calls that tie up emergency services.
2. Economic impact: Rumours about bank closures, fuel shortages, or currency collapse can cause panic buying and financial instability. In 2020, fake news about COVID-19 caused similar panic across Africa.
3. Social cohesion: Fabricated stories about tribal tensions, political violence, or murders strain community trust. The Block 6 hoax is a clear example of how quickly fear spreads.
4. Reputation damage: Individuals and businesses can be destroyed by false allegations that go viral before they can respond.
“Such conduct also has the potential to negatively affect the country’s social and economic well-being,” the police statement read.
BPS advice: Verify before you share
The police service is urging all Batswana to exercise responsibility when using social media:
1. Check the source: Is it from Botswana Police Service, government websites .gov.bw, or established media like Botswana Today, Mmegi, or BTV? Random Facebook pages and WhatsApp forwards are not reliable sources.
2. Look for evidence: Does the post have date, location, names of officials, or links to official statements? The Block 6 post had none.
3. Wait 24 hours: Viral “breaking news” is often wrong. Real journalists verify with police before publishing. If it’s true, it will still be there tomorrow.
4. Don’t share to “warn others”: Sharing unverified info makes you part of the problem. If you’re unsure, send it to police via 999 or the Public Relations Officer instead.
“The BPS further cautions individuals and groups involved in the creation and dissemination of fake news that appropriate legal action will be taken against offenders,” Bagali stated.
What this means for http://botswanatoday.com and online forums
For news sites and community forums like the http://botswanatoday.com Community section we launched recently, this is a reminder to moderate content strictly.
If you run a group or forum:
1. Pin rules against sharing unverified crime/death news
2. Remove posts that claim murders, accidents, or arrests without linking to police/media
3. Report repeat offenders to BPS. Your platform could be implicated if you allow it
If you’re a user:
1. Use a nickname, not your real name, if you want privacy – but don’t use anonymity to spread lies
2. Remember: “I saw it on Facebook” is not a defence in court
3. When in doubt, ask: “Would I say this in front of a magistrate?”
Contact for verification
The BPS Public Relations Office has made itself available for verification. Media and members of the public can contact:
Near Bagali, Assistant Commissioner of Police
Tel: 3903823
Email: nbagali@gov.bw
For emergencies, continue to use 999.
The bottom line : Botswana’s internet laws are catching up to social media behaviour. The days of “it’s just a WhatsApp forward” are over. If it causes fear, alarm, or disturbs peace, you can be prosecuted – even if you didn’t create it.
As social media grows in Botswana, the line between “free speech” and “criminal misinformation” is becoming clearer. Before you share that shocking post, pause. Verify. Your P20,000 and 1 year of freedom may depend on it.
_Do you think the law is fair, or does it risk silencing whistleblowers? Join the discussion on https://botswanatoday.com/news/