A statement issued on Sunday by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) claims that law enforcement agencies have already implemented measures to ensure safety and security of all South Africans in the face of possible riots.

NatJOINTS is aware of ‘inflammatory messages’ on various social media platforms that advocate for violence.

This security organization warns those behind these calls that inciting to violence is a criminal offense.

NatJOINTS reports that, also on Sunday, a different set of messages circulating on the Internet is seeking to defy the rule of law and undermine the authority of the state. In these messages people are mobilizing to respond to the alleged shutdown. We are calling on community police forums and related sub-forums to work with the police as they usually do and to mobilize the community against any form of lawlessness, according to NatJOINTS.

In the press release, this institution recalls that South Africa is still under Covid-19 Alert Level 3, and, consequently, maximum compliance with current health regulations and protocols is demanded.

Under other health measures in effect, outdoor meetings are currently limited to 100 people.

mh/aph/jcm/mv/gdc