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Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Correspondent
JOURNALISTS have been urged to be wary of unverified social media messages as they report on the forthcoming 2018 harmonised elections.

This was said at the elections reporting workshop in Bulawayo yesterday.

Facilitating the workshop, Google South Africa Public Relations Officer Mr Fortune Sibanda it was important for journalists to be the voice of reason and a reliable source of news.

“Because of mobile connectivity so many people now have access to the internet and unverified and fake information travels fast. Some of it is very convincing. To serve the public interest, journalists must be careful not to publish unverified information circulating on social media platforms,” he said.

Mr Sibanda advised journalists to be critical of reports which, if published could grossly misinform the public.

Recently, police called upon journalists to desist from peddling falsehoods, whilst promising them safety and security during the elections.

Superintendent Blessmore Chishaka, speaking on behalf of National Police Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba at an elections reporting workshop held in Gweru said journalists must also stay away from hate speech.

“As you carry out your duties, we strongly urge you to desist from peddling falsehoods and hate speech as that creates a tense electoral environment. That is not only unethical but fuels violence. Our Constitution, Section 61 sub section 5, stipulates that freedom of media excludes incitement to violence,” he said.