Free State – The South African Police Service in the Free State has warned communities against the spread of fake social media posters announcing so-called “community total shutdowns”, saying the misleading messages are causing panic and disruption.
Police said fabricated digital flyers circulating on social media platforms were being used to spread disinformation by exploiting public fear and the rapid sharing of unverified information online.
In a statement, SAPS said fake shutdown notices could trigger widespread anxiety as such shutdowns are often associated with violent protests, blocked roads, burning tyres and clashes with authorities.
“The primary objective of a fake shutdown poster is to generate widespread anxiety,” police said.
Authorities warned that even when entirely false, the posters could have serious consequences for communities, businesses and public services.
Police said workers may stay home fearing intimidation or violence, disrupting businesses, manufacturing operations and essential services. Schools could also close as a precautionary measure, while clinics and mobile healthcare services may suspend operations, affecting access to treatment and medication for vulnerable residents.
The police further cautioned that public transport operators, including taxi associations and bus services, could alter routes or halt operations altogether to avoid potential attacks on vehicles.
SAPS also warned that criminal groups could exploit the panic created by fake shutdown notices to carry out looting, arson and robberies under the guise of unrest.
“Local criminal elements or gangs may see the widespread panic as an invitation to engage in looting, arson, or opportunistic robberies, using the ‘shutdown’ narrative as a shield for criminality,” the statement read.
Police added that fake flyers could also inflame tensions in communities already frustrated by service delivery challenges and socio-economic issues, potentially sparking protests that did not initially exist.
“A poster can act as a spark. Individuals who are already frustrated by service delivery or other socio-economic issues might see the flyer and decide to actively start barricading roads, effectively creating a protest that didn’t originally exist,” SAPS said.
The police have urged the public to verify social media posts and digital posters before sharing or reacting to them, warning against the spread of false information online.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
