The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) said they are on high alert to prevent and combat any forms of criminality over calls for a national shutdown on Friday.

National police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said that intelligence structures are aware of unsigned messages and posters circulating on various social media platforms calling for a national shutdown.

“Those behind these messages are warned and reminded that prohibiting people’s freedom of movement is a criminal offence. Members of the public are therefore cautioned against spreading such messages that seek to mobilise communities to respond to the shutdown,” she said.

Mathe said Natjoints members were briefed by the Intelligence Coordinating Committee (ICC) on the validity of the call for a national shutdown.

“The Intelligence community is closely monitoring the situation and the associated risks. With this said, law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to prevent and combat any forms of criminality. The Natjoints assures members of the public that enforcement of the law will be executed within relevant prescripts to ensure stability in the country,” she said.