Get verified news and tips straight to WhatsApp – subscribe for free!

From exposing scams that prey on vulnerable people to debunking fake health cures that put lives at risk, our work goes beyond headlines.

Integrity drives everything we do. In a world where false claims spread fast – and are often designed to mislead – our mission is simple: stand for facts and hold the line against deception.

Because misinformation isn’t harmless – it costs money, health and trust.

Support Africa Check and help make information more reliable. Every contribution helps us investigate claims, expose falsehoods and keep the truth within reach.

A weekly guide to spotting, understanding and stopping viral misinformation

After news of her mother’s death spead online, rumours that former celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana would be released for the funeral. But authorities and her family denied this, and the accompanying image used as evidence was fake.

What are the facts?

• Authorities dismissed the claim as fake news.
• Her family said they did not request any release.
• As an awaiting-trial detainee, she would not qualify for compassionate leave.

How did we verify it?

• Official sources: the Department of Correctional Services flagged the claim as false.
• Credible reporting: multiple news outlets confirmed the family’s denial.
• Image checks: the viral photo showed signs of AI manipulation.
• Reverse image search: Google’s “About this image” revealed it was AI-generated.
• Context checks: the image placed her at the wrong prison.

How the misinformation snowballed

• A real event – her mother’s death – created public interest.
• Speculation about possible compassionate leave created confusion.
• Social media posts exaggerated this into a confirmed release.
• An AI-generated image added false “evidence”.
• The claim then spread rapidly as fact.

Takeaway
When real news events are mixed with speculation and AI visuals, misinformation can spread fast. Always pause and verify before sharing.

More AI fakes you shouldn’t believe

• Viral videos of a giraffe injured on highway are AI generated.
• No, the UK’s King Charles didn’t pose with a Kenya Revenue Authority agent.
• AI-generated videos falsely claimed that Kenyan president Ruto has resigned.
• Mobile phone factory in Zambia? No, image was made with artificial intelligence.

Recommended reading

• Africa Check’s guide to spotting AI-generated images and videos.
• AI-powered disinformation: deepfakes, detection technology and the weaponisation of doubt

A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, despite being widely shared. 

FALSE: A viral image claims people in Kraaifontein protested to exclude South Africans – but it never happened. While the location is real, tell-tale signs reveal it’s fake, and there are no credible reports of such a protest. Content like this fuels xenophobia and division.

FALSE: While avocado seeds have some medicinal uses, there is no scientific evidence they can improve fertility or “clean” the uterus. Research does suggest a generally healthy diet, however, may improve chances of conception.

Kenya 🇰🇪

FALSE: An image on Facebook claims it shows ex-Kenyan VP Rigathi Gachagua being “saved” from an alleged plot. But visual inconsistencies indicate AI generation, and there are no credible reports of such an incident.

FALSE: Graphics shared online claim that Kenya’s electoral commission chair Erastus Ethekon hinted that president William Ruto would win the 2027 general elections. They are fabricated.

FALSE: A document circulating online in Kenya claims that president’s aide Farouk Kibet is “wanted” and under investigation by Kenya’s crime investigation unit. But the document is fake.

FALSE: Viral graphics quote former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta saying that president William Ruto will be a “one-term” president are also fake.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

FALSE: Several Facebook posts falsely claim former Nigerian vice president Atiku Abubakar has withdrew from the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, in favour of Peter Obi. But no evidence supports this.

FALSE: Claims that David Mark has stepped down as chair of a prominent Nigerian opposition party in favour of ex-chair Ralph Nwosu are false. The African Democratic Congress says he remains in the position.

FALSE: Posts claim that Danjuma Goje, a key political figure in northeastern Nigeria and a prominent ruling-party loyalist, has defected to the ADC. His spokesperson dismissed this. 

Love this newsletter? Please take a moment to forward it to your friends or family, or they can subscribe here.

Thanks for reading!

Your weekly dose of facts in newsletter form is created by Laura Kapelari (@laurakapelari). It is edited by Lee Mwiti (@LMAfrican) and Cayley Clifford (@cayleyclifford).