Police condemn Gauteng shutdown message sent via WhatsApp
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has rejected a widely circulated WhatsApp message warning of a total shutdown in Gauteng on Monday.
The SAPS says this is a fake message, meant to mislead communities.
Authorities have confirmed that no such shutdown is planned and reassured residents that law enforcement is fully prepared to maintain order across the province.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola cautioned the public against spreading messages that aim to incite unrest and panic.
The WhatsApp message in question calls for the blocking of highways, closure of schools, shutdown of the American Embassy and Consulate, and the targeting of specific food outlets in Gauteng.
“Members of the public are warned that this WhatsApp message only seeks to instil fear, bully community members and incite violence. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore this WhatsApp message and refrain from sharing it further,” said National Police Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.
She further warned the individuals responsible for creating and circulating the message to stop spreading misinformation and fake news.
Mathe also conveyed Masemola’s assurance that police in Gauteng, led by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, are on high alert and working closely with law enforcement partners - including the Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni Metro Police departments, national and provincial traffic departments, and private security firms.
She emphasized that all services, including businesses and schools, will operate as usual, and there will be no highway shutdowns or road closures.
“We are not going to allow lawlessness and acts of criminality. Those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly. The N1 Sandton, N1 Pretoria, and M1 and M2 motorways will be opened,” said Masemola.
SAPS reiterated that there is no reason for residents to panic, and assured the public that law enforcement agencies are fully mobilized to ensure public safety.
“We also call upon our communities to also work with us by distancing themselves from any acts of lawlessness, in the best interest of all people living in Gauteng. We call on all people in Gauteng to uphold the law and to say no to any action aimed at breaking the country’s laws,” added Mathe.
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