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The fake WhatsApp calls for a block and shutdown of highways, schools, shutting down the American embassy and Consulate and closing down targeted American businesses.
Picture: Gallo Images/ Frennie Shivambu
Police have cautioned the public to stop spreading WhatsApp messages that seek to mobilise communities to shut down and block Gauteng highways, close schools, shut down the American embassy and Consulate, as well as close down targeted American businesses and food outlets in Gauteng
The message being shared on WhatsApp claims there are confirmed reports of a highway shutdown on Monday, the 26th of May, starting at 7:30am.
According to the message, the N1 Sandton, N1 Pretoria and M1 and M2 motorways will be affected.
The fake WhatsApp comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s highly anticipated meeting with his US counterpart, President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on Wednesday.,
Fake news
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola warned those behind the misleading WhatsApp message to refrain from spreading fake news and misinformation.
“Members of the public are warned that this WhatsApp message only seeks to instil fear, bully community members and incite violence.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore this WhatsApp message and refrain from sharing it further,” Mathe said.
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High alert
Mathe said Masemola also assured all Gauteng residents that police under the command of the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, are working closely with law enforcement agencies and private security, are on high alert and will “not tolerate any lawlessness”.
Masemola said all businesses, schools and other services will be fully functional and operational and accessible.
He said there will be no highway shutdown or road closures.
“We are not going to allow lawlessness and acts of criminality; those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly. The N1 Sandton, N1 Pretoria and M1 and M2 motorways will be opened”.
Lawlessness
The Saps has called on communities to also work with police by distancing themselves from any acts of lawlessness, in the best interest of all people living in Gauteng.
“We call on all people in Gauteng to uphold the law and to say no to any action aimed at breaking the country’s laws,” Saps said.
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