KZN Premier warns against fake news, vigilantism ahead of June 30 protest
He reminded delegates that many businesses never recovered from the July 2021 unrest, while thousands of jobs were permanently lost.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier has urged the public not to spread fake news ahead of the planned June 30 national protest, while police have warned communities against taking the law into their own hands and acting as vigilantes.
Ntuli said the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content on social media could fuel panic and violence, with devastating consequences for communities and the economy.
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“I plead with you not to be instigators of violence by sharing inflammatory videos, messages that incite violence, misinformation or disinformation,” he said.
If violence erupts and property is destroyed, it is us, our children and our families who will suffer the consequences.
He reminded delegates that many businesses never recovered from the July 2021 unrest, while thousands of jobs were permanently lost.
“We still have the trauma of what happened in July 2021, and we cannot afford to experience a repeat,” Ntuli said.
Acting KZN Police Commissioner urged community safety structures to support law enforcement by reporting crime rather than confronting suspects.
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“When you see criminal activities happening or learn of any planned crime, do not confront the suspects,” she said.
Yours is to provide information to the police, and the police will act.
Makoba said the recent killing of community patrollers in Inanda highlighted the dangers of vigilantism and warned that community structures cannot claim to support police while breaking the law.
