SAPS Limpopo Dismisses Viral Claim: Traditional Healers Buying People with Dwarfism for R100 Million Is Fake News

The Limpopo Police Service has rejected circulating rumours that traditional healers are buying people with dwarfism for R100 million, describing the claims as fake news and emphasising there is no truth to the allegations. The statement was issued by the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, clarifying the SAPS stance on social media misinformation and urging the public to verify information with official sources.

Introduction

The South African Police Service in Limpopo has condemned and dismissed social media rumours alleging that traditional healers are buying people with dwarfism for a large sum of money. The message, released by the provincial commissioner, stresses that the claims are false and aims to curb the spread of misleading information online. The SAPS references its official channels for accurate updates and urges the public to avoid sharing unverified stories.

Detailed list

• Topic: Rejection of social media rumours about traditional healers buying people with dwarfism for R100 million.
• Source: SAPS in Limpopo, led by Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe.
• Key message: The rumours are fake news and categorically not true.
• Platform of origin: Various social media platforms where the claim circulated.
• Official actions: SAPS Limpopo publicly condemns the misinformation and clarifies its stance.
• Date of reference: May 14, 2026 (as cited in the linked social media post).
• Source link: Live post from @SAPoliceService on X (Twitter): https://x.com/SAPoliceService/status/2054917333332709605
• Contact/verification: SAPS urges the public to rely on official SAPS communications for accurate information.
• Context: Part of a broader effort to combat misinformation on social media and protect communities from rumours.
• Additional resources: For more local news stories, readers can explore the City of Thohoyandou news category on the official site.

Simple summary of the story

The Limpopo Police Service has dismissed rumours circulating on social media that traditional healers in Limpopo are purchasing people with dwarfism for R100 million. The statement, issued by the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, confirms that these claims are false and urges the public to rely on official SAPS communications for accurate information. The post highlights the police’s commitment to counter misinformation and protect the community from unfounded accusations. The source of the claim is a post by SAPS on X (Twitter) dated May 14, 2026, and readers are encouraged to follow official channels for updates. Source: https://x.com/SAPoliceService/status/2054917333332709605. For more related local stories, see the City of Thohoyandou news category: https://www.cityofthohoyandou.co.za/category/news/

Q&A

• What is the main issue addressed? The SAPS Limpopo rejects fake news claiming that traditional healers are buying people with dwarfism for a large sum of money.
• Who issued the official statement? The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, along with the SAPS in Limpopo.
• Where did the misinformation originate? It circulated on various social media platforms, prompting a formal response from SAPS.
• When did the referenced post appear? May 14, 2026, as shown in the SAPS Twitter/X post.
• What is SAPS asking the public to do? To verify information with official SAPS communications and avoid spreading unverified rumours.
• What actions might result from spreading misinformation? Potentially damaging to individuals and communities; authorities emphasise caution and accuracy to prevent harm.
• Where can readers find more local news? On the City of Thohoyandou’s news category: https://www.cityofthohoyandou.co.za/category/news/
• Is there a need for concern about safety? The statement underscores the importance of not giving credence to unfounded claims and continuing to rely on official updates to stay informed.