Mpumalanga police dismiss false social media claims about teen’s murder

Mapaballo Borotho

Mpumalanga police have dismissed social media rumours alleging that Thembi Mantwa Shakoane stabbed a 17-year-old boy and injured his mother.
Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said the claims, including reports of an arrest and car accident, are “fabricated, untrue, baseless and misleading.”
He warned that spreading false information creates unnecessary panic and harms those targeted.

Police in Mpumalanga have dismissed disturbing social media allegations claiming that Thembi Mantwa Shakoane stabbed 17-year-old Thapelo to death with a screwdriver and also injured his mother in an incident linked to Shakoane’s son, Mpendulo Mashiane.

According to the rumours, Mashiane allegedly went missing while attending last weekend’s soccer match in Pretoria between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

It was further alleged that Shakoane was arrested in Middelburg and that Mashiane had been involved in a car accident and admitted to hospital in Gauteng.

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A 16-year-old boy, Mpendulo Mashiane, went missing in Pretoria yesterday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

According to our source, the 16 boys from Nelspruit (Engodini) traveled in one trip to Gauteng yesterday to watch the game, which was Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at… pic.twitter.com/h7ZvfLSGev

— #PutSouthAfricansfirst (@Patriot_S_A) August 24, 2025

Police spokesperson in the province, Donald Mdhluli, strongly refuted the claims, labelling them “fabricated, untrue, baseless and misleading.”

He confirmed there is no record of any such arrest or accident involving the names mentioned.

“These rumours and false accusations cause unnecessary panic amongst members of the public. Those who engage in perpetuating or sharing false information, which is presented as authentic, should immediately desist from such conduct,” said Mdhluli.

He added that the spreading of false information not only harms those being targeted but also creates undue fear and anxiety within communities.