North West: The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West has expressed concern over voice notes circulating on social media that potentially incite public violence. These voice notes have been alerting community members in Zeerust and Lehurutshe about a planned march or shutdown on Friday, 14 March 2025, and cautioning taxi operators against providing transport to commuters. This unrest is reportedly linked to pending feedback on water restoration following an address by the Premier of North West Province, Lazarus Mokgosi, seven days ago.
According to South African Police Service, the community is reminded that while the Constitution protects the right to peacefully picket and protest, actions such as shutdowns, road barricades, and property damage are unconstitutional. The police emphasize their duty to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens and warn that they will take strict action against anyone inciting violence, regardless of the legitimacy of their grievances.
The police urge
community members to collaborate with them through Community Police Forum (CPF) structures to report any intended acts of violence or lawlessness that threaten state authority.