MBOMBELA -  The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga have noted with concern that a number of disturbing SMSes and statements are currently doing the rounds and going viral on social media.

One such statement warns that last week’s mayhem in KaNyamazane was just the beginning as more is still to come. Roads into the area were blockaded with burning tyres and debris during violent service delivery protests which escalated into general lawlessness during which the shops of foreign nationals, as well as a major retail liquor outlet, were looted. The township was completely shut down which caused major school disruptions and had a very negative  socio-economic impact on the community in general.

The statement also warns of alleged plans "to target all government buildings such as schools, clinics and municipalities in KaNyamazane as of Sunday afternoon (August 19) through renewed protest action. The statement also contains threats to burn down a major retail/chain store because of its alleged monopoly in the area, as well as a series of other warnings.

It is also mentioned that local taxi owners and drivers will apparently be joining the protest action by barackading the adjacent N4 Toll Road with their taxis.

While the origin and authenticity of this statement, as well as a number of others, are currently unknown, the SAPS have a duty to protect all citizens and their property as contained in the Constitution of the country. Hence, the SAPS have responded by saying that law and order will be maintained at all cost. The members in blue will therefore not stand idle in the case of continued lawlessness. Perpetrators will face the full might of the law.

The Commissioner for Police in Mpumalanga, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma has, in the past, issued numerous warnings about  illegal protests. He reiterated the SAPS’s position, namely that everyone has the right to protest against any matter that they feel strongly about, as long as protest action abides to the prescripts and confines of the law.

The blockading of roads, looting of businesses and destruction of property and infrastructure are unacceptable and will therefore not be tolerated under any circumstances.

"All people in the country have the right to freedom of movement and association, hence no one should unfairly - and without due cause - infringe those fundamental rights,” Zuma concluded.

Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlati
Subeditor: Lynette Brink