By Phenyo Selinda
Potchefstroom – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province has issued a stern warning to residents of Ikageng Township, urging them to ignore a widely circulated voice note on social media that calls for a “shutdown” of the area. The voice note, which has caused a stir within the community, suggests that all entrances to Ikageng will be closed and encourages residents to stay away from work.
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, SAPS spokesperson, has confirmed that the police are aware of the voice note and its potentially disruptive implications. In response, the SAPS has made it clear that while residents have the constitutional right to protest and express grievances, any form of shutdown is illegal and cannot be tolerated under the law.
Law Enforcement’s Firm Stance
Brigadier Mokgwabone emphasized that the SAPS is committed to safeguarding the rights of law-abiding citizens. He urged parents, community leaders, and all residents of Ikageng to disregard the voice note and to ensure that any legitimate concerns are not hijacked by unlawful activities.
“Shutdowns are inherently unlawful, and while people have the right to picket and protest peacefully, actions that involve barricading roads, damaging property, or inciting others to break the law will be met with zero tolerance,” Mokgwabone stated.
The SAPS has also expressed concern about the possible involvement of children in these unlawful activities. Mokgwabone warned that children should not be used as tools in such incidents, and he called on the community to protect its young members from being drawn into illegal actions.
Community Reaction and Broader Context
This warning comes in the wake of heightened tensions in Potchefstroom and surrounding areas, where community members have been vocal about ongoing service delivery issues. During a recent Presidential Imbizo in the region, residents highlighted their frustrations over poor access to basic services such as water, electricity, and housing. The meeting saw residents voicing their concerns directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa and other government officials, hoping for swift action to address these long-standing issues.
The situation in Ikageng is further complicated by recent criminal activities in the area, including a murder case that saw five suspects arrested in connection with the death of a local woman. These incidents have added to the sense of urgency among residents, but the SAPS remains firm in its stance that any form of lawlessness will not be tolerated.
The Role of Social Media in Spreading Panic
The SAPS has also highlighted the role of social media in spreading panic and misinformation. Mokgwabone urged residents to rely on official channels for accurate information and not to be swayed by unverified content circulating on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.
“Social media can be a double-edged sword,” Mokgwabone noted. “While it can be used to share important information quickly, it can also be a platform for spreading fear and inciting violence. We urge everyone to be responsible and to verify the information before acting on it.”
Moving Forward: A Call for Peace
In a final plea, the SAPS called on all Ikageng residents to maintain peace and order in their community. The police are working closely with local leaders to ensure that any grievances are addressed through the proper channels and that the rule of law is upheld.
“We appeal to all residents to reject and report any individuals who are trying to incite lawlessness,” Mokgwabone concluded. “Our priority is to ensure that everyone in Ikageng can live in peace and security.”
The SAPS has assured the public that it will take swift action against anyone found to be violating the law, and it encourages the community to cooperate fully with law enforcement to prevent any further unrest.
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