The South African Police Services (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal said on Thursday, May 16, that they have noted with grave concern the inflammatory statements doing the rounds on various social media platforms about unsubstantiated political-related violence in the province.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the police would like to place on record that the voice note about the shooting of 11 people at KwaXimba, whom the person behind the voice classify as “comrades”, is devoid of the truth.
“No mass shooting has been reported in the area and no political-related violence has been reported in the vicinity of KwaXimba and the surrounding areas,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
“Any incidents of violence or threats, including those related to politics, should be reported to the police as soon as possible. The province’s operational plans to safeguard the residents of KwaZulu-Natal pre, during and post elections are already in motion and police officers are geared to respond to any eventuality.”
Colonel Netshiunda said the voice note recklessly alleges that a vehicle was going around shooting at four houses at KwaXimba in the Umsunduzi area. No dates nor time frames are specified in the voice note and police condemn such malicious statement with the contempt it deserves, he added.
“Police are discouraging people from making or spreading statements that have a potential of inciting violence or creating a state of panic in the communities. Those who are found to have made inflammatory statements will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
