Gauteng — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged the public to disregard a viral WhatsApp message falsely claiming that communities in Gauteng are planning to shut down highways, close schools, and target American diplomatic sites and businesses on Monday, 26 May.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has cautioned against the spread of the message, labelling it fake news designed to incite fear, intimidate communities, and provoke violence.
“Members of the public are warned that this WhatsApp message only seeks to instil fear, bully community members, and incite violence,” said General Masemola.
“Members of the public are, therefore, advised to ignore this message and refrain from sharing it further.”
Masemola said that there will be no shutdown of highways, schools, or businesses, and that the N1 Sandton, N1 Pretoria, M1 and M2 motorways will remain open.
He assured the public that all services will be fully operational and accessible.
WHATSAPP MESSAGE CIRCULATING OF A SHUTDOWN IN GAUTENG ON 26 MAY 2025 IS MISLEADING AND SHOULD BE IGNORED – SAPS ASSURES RESIDENTS THAT NO LAWLESSNESS WILL TAKE PLACE @SAPoliceService
The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola cautions members of the public…
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 25, 2025
Law enforcement agencies across Gauteng — including the Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Departments, as well as national and provincial traffic authorities — are on high alert and prepared to respond to any threats.
“We are not going to allow lawlessness and acts of criminality. Those who are found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” Masemola said.
The SAPS has called on Gauteng residents to reject any incitement to violence and to work with law enforcement to maintain peace and stability.
“We call on all people in Gauteng to uphold the law and say no to any action aimed at breaking the country’s laws,” SAPS said in a statement.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
