By Bernell Simons
The spread of fake news has once again placed the MUCCP Clinic under intense public scrutiny, with the Free State Department of Health warning that outdated and unverified claims circulating online are reigniting anger at a facility that has already faced recent controversy.
The latest social media post, which alleged a medical emergency at the clinic, was widely shared this week despite officials insisting the incident never happened. According to the department, the story appears to stem from an old report dating back to 2024 but resurfaced online as if it were a current event, drawing renewed criticism and emotional reactions from the public.
Health officials say the situation is particularly sensitive because the clinic was recently in the spotlight following an after-hours incident involving a frail elderly man. The man’s family alleged that they arrived late at night expecting help from the clinic, which residents say is known for offering 24-hour services, but found the gates locked and security refusing entry while the patient was seriously ill.
That earlier incident sparked outrage in the community and raised questions about after-hours access to care — making the facility vulnerable to further backlash when new claims appear online.
“This is fake news stemming from 2024. I personally attended to that call and there was never such a patient,” departmental spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said.
In a response posted on Facebook, the department warned the claim had been repeatedly recycled online without proof.
“Please remove this — it is fake news. This fake news has been recycled without any proof for over two years now. Please stop denting the image of our health facilities with falsehoods. We respectfully ask you to remove this with immediate effect or we shall have to consider our legal options as a remedy and relief against the damages that such fake news causes to the image of the Department, its employees and public perceptions,” said Mvambi.
Mvambi warns that the rapid spread of misinformation can inflame tensions and put pressure on staff working in already strained conditions.
He urged the public to verify information before sharing it, saying viral falsehoods not only damage reputations but can also undermine trust in public health services and place frontline workers at risk.
