Mthatha – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has deployed additional operational resources to Ngcobo following threats of an unlawful shutdown of the town on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
SAPS said it was aware of an audio recording circulating on social media in which a person claiming to be a member of the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation allegedly threatened to bring the town to a complete shutdown from 5am on Tuesday.
The organisation has previously organised marches in the area over municipal grievances.
“The SAPS views these threats with the utmost seriousness,” the police said.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata has ordered the immediate deployment of additional resources, including Public Order Policing units and visible policing task teams, to the Ngcobo policing precinct.
The deployment is aimed at maintaining public safety and ensuring law and order, while SAPS said normal policing services and visibility would continue across the rest of the province.
Police also stressed that residents have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, provided demonstrations remain within the law.
“The SAPS reaffirms that the Constitution guarantees the right of every person to assemble peacefully and to protest, provided such actions are conducted within the legal framework,” the statement said.
However, police warned that criminal conduct would result in arrests and possible prosecution.
“The SAPS will not hesitate to effect the arrest and institute criminal proceedings against those who threaten public order, threaten to shut down businesses or infringe upon the rights of others,” SAPS said.
It added: “Any individual or collective that resorts to criminal behaviour will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the full provisions of the law.”
SAPS urged residents to remain vigilant but calm, saying law enforcement agencies were prepared to respond to any incidents.
“Law enforcement agencies are in full control of the situation and are committed to protecting the constitutional rights and safety of all residents,” police said.
Members of the public were urged to report information about unlawful activity to their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop hotline.
Police said all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
