North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said voice notes being circulated on social media, apparently to encourage unlawful actions, are concerning.

The voice notes informed residents of Zeerust and Lehurutshe about an upcoming march or shutdown planned for Friday (14/3) and cautioned taxi operators against transporting commuters. The unrest follows Premier Lazarus Mokgosi’s recent address to the community regarding water restoration issues.

“We have noted, with concern, voice notes inciting public violence doing the rounds on social media platforms,” said Mokgwabone, adding citizens have rights under the Constitution, including the right to peaceful protest and picket. However, shutdowns, barricading roads, and damage to property are unlawful and cannot be tolerated.

Mokgwabone emphasised the importance of upholding constitutional rights while ensuring the maintenance of law and order. “In the same breath, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure law-abiding citizens’ rights are neither infringed upon nor denied by anyone.”

Therefore, police “will not hesitate to take drastic steps against anyone who embarks on or incites violence, regardless of how legitimate their concerns or grievances are”. Residents should rather cooperate with law enforcement through community policing forum structures, Mokgwabone said.

North West police previously expressed concerns over the rising number of service delivery protests in the province. Provincial Commissioner Maj. Gen. Patrick Asaneng revealed North West has the highest number of protests in the country: a total of 88 between October and December.

He said the surge in protests has placed additional strain on law enforcement resources, forcing the police to focus on crowd control instead of combating crime.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg