By REGINALD KANYANE
13 March 2025 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it has noted with concern public violence inciting voicenotes doing the rounds on social media platforms. The voice notes, among others, allegedly notify the Zeerust and Lehurutshe community members about a march or shutdown on 14 March 2025, and warn taxi operators not to provide transport to commuters.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this comes pending water restoration feedback following the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s address to the community seven days ago. Mokgwabone said the police would like to send a warning to members of the community that all citizens have rights enshrined in the constitution, including the right to peacefully picket and protest.
“Shutdowns, barricading of roads, damage to properties, and other unlawful actions are unconstitutional and cannot be tolerated. In the same breath, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure that law-abiding citizens’ rights are neither infringed upon nor denied by anyone.
“As such, the 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,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said members of the community are urged to work with the police through Community Police Forum (CPF) structures to report any acts of violence or lawlessness intended to undermine the authority of the state.
The Guardian 