KWAZULU-NATAL police have issued a stern warning to those “promoting violence or destruction of property” ahead of the planned June 30 mass anti-illegal immigration protest in Durban, saying they could possibly face jail time.

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police have noted “with disdain” social media posts and public statements made by certain individuals which have the potential of inciting violence and lawlessness during planned marches throughout the province.

He said under Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act, Act No. 19 of 2020, which says that any person who discloses, by means of an electronic communications service, a data message to a person, group of persons or the general public with the intention to incite the causing of any damage to property belonging to; or violence against a person or a group of persons, is guilty of an offence.

Police are monitoring the public space and cybercrimes officers will be profiling posts and statements that are deemed to be inciting violence,” said Netshiunda, who reminded perpetrators of Operation Dudula’s Philani Ronnie Gumede arrest which subsequently led to him being found guilty and sentenced to a fine of R10 000 or three years’ direct imprisonment.

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To keep order at the planned protests Netshiunda confirmed a large deployment of officers during and post June 30 to “ensure stability, peace and order” in the province.

“Anyone who will be found to be breaking the law will be dealt with in accordance with the law without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Netshiunda.

“The right to march is protected in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, however such a right comes with the responsibility to be exercised within the confines of the law, and in consideration of the rights of others.”

This was also confirmed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) which has dismissed false reports of deploying its soldiers in anticipation of protest action.

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Ministry of Defence spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said that the department has noted with concern misleading reports on social media suggesting that the SANDF will be deployed.

“The SANDF dismisses these claims as false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading. At no stage has the SANDF issued any directive or made preparations for deployment in relation to these activities. The SANDF appreciates that the constitution of the republic allows peaceful protest marches,” said Dlamini.

He added, “The SANDF distances itself entirely from these claims and cautions against the dissemination of unverified information that undermines public trust and creates unnecessary alarm.”

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