Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed as fake and misleading a video circulating on social media that falsely portrays Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane declaring a planned nationwide protest on 30 June unlawful.
In a statement, SAPS said the video does not represent the views or official position of either Dimpane or the police service.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has noted with concern the circulation of a fake and misleading video falsely portraying the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, declaring the planned nationwide protest on 30 June unlawful,” SAPS said.
The police service categorically rejected the contents of the video, describing it as fake news designed to mislead the public and undermine the credibility of the Acting National Commissioner.
“SAPS strongly condemns the individuals responsible for creating and distributing manipulated and false content aimed at misleading communities and damaging the credibility of the Acting National Commissioner,” the statement said.
The police reiterated that Dimpane respects the constitutional rights of South Africans to protest and demonstrate, provided such actions are conducted peacefully and within the law.
“The Acting National Commissioner fully respects the constitutional right of every person to protest, demonstrate, and express themselves freely, provided that such action is conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law,” SAPS said.
The police service further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order during lawful gatherings while protecting the rights of citizens.
“SAPS remains committed to ensuring that all lawful gatherings and protests are policed in a manner that maintains public order and safeguards the rights of all citizens,” the statement added.
SAPS urged members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information on social media and encouraged them to rely on official SAPS communication platforms for accurate and verified updates.
The warning comes amid the circulation of misinformation online ahead of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for 30 June.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
