LISTEN: Suspect whose malicious voice note causes panic in West Rand amid #ShutdownSA violence arrested

Police confirmed that they had arrested the man who was responsible for the voice note inciting violence on the West Rand.

On the voice note that was circulated far and wide on Thursday night, July 15, a man said, “Comrades you have done good and now I am calling on you again, I am calling on the fighters from the West Rand”. He even appealed to the ANC Youth and Women’s Leagues to contribute to the anarchy. The ANC has been approached and we are awaiting comment.

He urged people to loot properties in Randfontein, Krugersdorp, Azaadville and Roodepoort, and block off the N14, R28 and Main Reef Road. Healthcare facilities and schools were not to be attacked, and no one should be killed, but malls were free game, the instigator said.

Listen to the voice note here:

Spokesperson for the West Rand District Police and the Randfontein Police, Carmen Hendricks confirmed that the person behind this malicious voice note was arrested in the early hours of Friday, July 16.

The man is believed to be from Randfontein and was arrested in Roodepoort.

The Randfontein Police station commander, Brigadier Manamela said in a message, “Good morning Residents. Thank you once more for sharing the circulating voice note on Thursday that was inciting public violence at Randfontein, Roodepoort and Krugersdorp. This made a lot of people to panic.”

He went on to say that West Rand Intelligence with the Randfontein Crime Prevention had a breakthrough and the suspect was arrested.

“Thanks for your support. Business must operate as normal. The police are continually monitoring the situation. It is sad that the suspect stays within the Randfontein policing precinct. Together we can make it,” Manamela’s message said.