By Kaya 959 Reporter
Law enforcement agencies are on high alert following threats of a national shutdown.
Last week, information was shared on a number of social media networks allegedly that there would be protests across the country calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down and for the right to free education.
One of the posts said the protests are also against the rollout of “experimental vaccines” and to bring attention to the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that they were aware of the threats.
“Those behind these messages are warned that inciting violence is a criminal offence. Members of the public are cautioned against spreading such divisive messages,” he said.
He said they were also aware of messages where people were planning their response to the apparent shutdown.
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#sapsGP Booysens #SAPS members on parade earlier this morning being briefed by the Station Commander on their operational readiness. Members deployed to patrol National Key Points and monitoring the precinct. #ProtectSouthAfrica #PoliceVisibility ME pic.twitter.com/jwo6es9xK4
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 23, 2021
Not taking threats likely
Netshiunda urged residents not to respond to calls for violence and criminality.
“We are calling on Community Police Forums and related sub-forums to work with the police as they usually do, and to mobilise the community against any form of lawlessness.
Law-abiding citizens should be at ease knowing that the NatJOINTS is not taking these threats lightly. “Security forces are on high alert and ready to maintain stability in the country, and ensure the safety and security of South Africans,” he said.
Netshiunda added that the NatJOINTS reminds the public that South Africa is still on Adjusted Alert Level 3 Lockdown, and calls for maximum adherence to the Regulations and COVID-19 health protocols.
Currently, outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 persons.
Last month hundreds of people in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal went on the rampage, looting shops, businesses and warehouses.
The violence stemmed from pro-Zuma protests, calling for charges against the former state president to be dropped.
Zuma was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment after he failed to appear before the Zondo Commission.
He is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility after undergoing a procedure.
#sapsKZN Ethekwini District: Berea #SAPS along with Metro Police conducting a vehicle checkpoint early this morning. Focus of operation is on illegal firearms and monitoring compliance to DMA adjusted Level 3 Regulations. #PoliceVisibility #StaySafe #ProtectSouthAfrica ME pic.twitter.com/Ufy2ei1a2F
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 23, 2021
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