Pretoria - The Department of State Security has confirmed that the photograph of President Nelson Mandela, purported to be of him lying in his casket at the Union Buildings, is a fake.
The fake photograph has been circulated on the internet and on social media channels.
“Government finds it extremely distasteful that a member of the public would engage in such behaviour and manipulate a photograph of President Mandela at this time,” said a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
Government has emphasized daily to mourners going to the Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings to pay their last respects to the elder statesman, whose body has been lying in state since yesterday, that all cellphones would need to be switched off and kept out of sight and no cameras are allowed.
Today, Government thanked members of the public who have acted respectfully so far and urged that the same dignity be shown to Madiba as he lies in state for the third and final day tomorrow. – SAnews.gov.za
