KwaZulu-Natal police have warned residents to be careful about posting and distributing messages or images on social media that incite violence and property damage.
Police said this following several protests in the province.
“Although the protests were peaceful, police have seen numerous messages and statements made by individuals on social media that appear to incite violence and lawlessness during the planned marches.”
“Members of the public are reminded of Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act, Act No. 19 of 2020, which states that anyone who disseminates speech using any form of electronic communication, sends a message to a person, group of people or communities with the intention of inciting violence or damage to property or violence against a person or group of people, shall be guilty of an offence,” the statement said.
It added that police have already used this law to charge a person.
“This law was used to prosecute Philani Gumede, a member of Operation Dudula, in March 2022, after he circulated a voice note calling for the deportation of immigrants from the country, by entering their shops, salons, and places of work. The court found him guilty and ordered him to pay R10 000 or spend three years in prison,” it said.
Police said the right to protest is protected by the South African constitution, but that right comes with the obligation to exercise it lawfully, and to consider the rights of others. Police stressed that they are vigilant as they monitor all social media platforms for messages and statements that may be seen as inciting violence.
Meanwhile, they said they have issued a statement to the organizers of the march on June 30 this year, who have promised that the march will be peaceful. Police said they will nevertheless deploy police officers in many areas before June 30 this year and on the following days to ensure stability, peace, and order.
He concluded that anyone found breaking the law will face the wrath of the wicked.
