The South African Police Service (SAPS) Limpopo Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, has cautioned the public against circulating old videos, pictures and misleading information on social media, particularly content falsely presented as current incidents relating to the ongoing electoral processes.
"We want to discourage the spread of misinformation because it causes unnecessary panic and conflict and may negatively label individuals and communities. As responsible citizens, we must refrain from sharing content that could provoke violence and intolerance among one another. We should all act responsibly and contribute towards maintaining peace and stability in our communities," Scheepers said in a statement on Wednesday.
This is as South Africans across the country are participating in the Local Government Elections to elect representatives to municipal councils.
The elections will determine who represents wards and municipalities and takes responsibility for delivering essential services.
The Provincial Commissioner emphasised that the police are closely monitoring social media platforms and remain on high alert to respond swiftly to any posts or messages intended to incite violence, promote intolerance or disrupt peace and stability in the province.
The police further warn that anyone found using social media platforms to incite violence or promote unlawful activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law. - SAnews.gov.za
