Staff Reporter.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) says officers are on standby should violence erupt in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.
This follows voice notes and other messages doing the rounds which contain threats of violence and criminality in the province.
Provincial police spokesperson Jay Naicker says police will react to any event which may lead to the breakdown in law and order.
“Police officers will be deployed strategically to respond swiftly and deal with those who act unlawfully.”
He says they have also been informed that supporters of Operation Dudula are planning to march on Sunday, without obtaining the necessary approval from the Ethekwini municipality.
Dudula members have reacted with anger after the arrest of the group’s leader, Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini in Johannesburg on Thursday evening.
He is being detained in police cells and is expected to return to the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Monday, on a charge of housebreaking.
“We are appealing to those that may react to the misleading voice notes, not to partake in any activity where the laws of the country may be broken,” warns Naicker.
He has further urged the public to refrain from reposting voice notes and messages inciting violence.
“We once again urge our citizens to refrain from reposting voice notes and messages that they receive as some of them are obviously fake. Police will not hesitate to deal decisively with those found contravening the law.”