Threat of shutting down the country has put the police on high alert         

Law enforcement agencies say they maintain a zero tolerance policy in the wake of inflammatory social media posts which threatened to shut down the country on Monday.

A second wave threat has emerged on social media since July’s violence that brought destruction to KwaZulu-Natal and some parts of Gauteng. Retail businesses were looted and others torched.

In a statement, police spokesperson, Major General Mathapelo Peters, said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) does not take these threats lightly, to ensure the safety of all citizens.

“The South African security forces are on high alert, prepared to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and protect the country’s stability,” said Peters.

Peters said that people spreading divisive messages have been warned that inciting violence has criminal consequences and the public should not share such views made on social media.

At the same time, said Peters, a different set of messages are being circulated, in which people are mobilising in response to the alleged shut down.

‘We urge Community Police Forums and related sub-forums to work with the police as they have done in the past, and to mobilise the community against any form of lawlessness,’ Peters said.