Tensions are palpable across South Africa on the eve of a national shutdown proliferated by unknown figures on social media.
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Be wary of fake news – Friday, 10 June 2022, 10:00
While law enforcement officials and civic organisations remain on high alert, thus far, there has been no riot outbreak or looting incident linked to the supposed national shutdown.
Old videos of last year’s unrest have resurfaced on social media, accompanied by claims of looting in Durban. However, we can confidently confirm that this is fake news. No such reports have come from Durban at this time.
Hammarsdale Mall beefs up security after attempted looting incident – Friday, 10 June 2022, 05:30
According to reports, private security and law enforcement officials have set up a parameter around Hammarsdale Mall and a nearby Boxer Supermarket after large groups of rioters descended on the business district with every intention to loot. From what we understand, no looting actually took place.
Hammarsdale mall is under heavy guard after there were attempts to loot it last night. #Nationalshutdown pic.twitter.com/B2VQvw3mWu
— 1KZNTV News (@1KZNtvNews) June 10, 2022
Who is behind Friday’s national shutdown?
Murmurs of a nationwide protest surfaced earlier this month, in the midst of outrage over the record-high June petrol price increases. An unmarked poster soon spread faster than wildfire on social media, calling on South Africans to stay away from work and school and to ensure all petrol stations are closed on Friday, 10 June 2022.
Is National Shutdown on or we gonna partake it online?#KellyKhumalo pic.twitter.com/XxV7kF7QfB
— Smo Hluphizwe Jnr Masinga (@TheRealSmomoh) June 9, 2022
Despite the EFF’s call for a national shutdown in response to the fuel hikes, no civil organisation or political party has come forward to claim responsibility of the planned protest.
Congress of the South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) have distanced themselves from the shutdown, making it clear their disgruntlement against hiking petrol prices will be felt in an organized protest planned for Friday, 17 June 2022.
“Officially, we as Cosatu are not involved in whatever will be happening on Friday. Santaco did indicate that they were willing to work with us, so hence the proposed meeting even though we are yet to decide on the date,” the groups told News24.
Operation Dudula leader Nhlanhla Lux also took to social media to distance himself and his movement from the rumoured protest.
@nhlanhla_lux_ Loud and Clear
— PUTSAFIRST 👁💃💯 (@MEB40122141) June 9, 2022
No #nationalshutdown on the 10th June 2022. #OperationDudula #PutSouthAfricansFirst pic.twitter.com/e876cHM2ZT
SA intelligence remains on high alert
Already, chain messages from businesses and government structures have been doing the rounds on social media, warning employees about the potential unrest that may break out across the country, on Friday.
KwaZulu-Natal’s department of economic development, tourism and environmental affairs issued a notice calling on all workers to “stay on high alert when executing their duties, especially when working out of office and using state-owned vehicles.”
The Gauteng provincial community police board also warned members to “remain vigilant with eyes and ears during these periods and not engage in activities beyond the CPF mandate.”
In a statement, SAPS’ National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) warned organisers of the national shutdown “that prohibiting people’s freedom of movement is a criminal offence.”
“Members of the public are therefore cautioned against spreading such messages that seek to mobilise communities to respond to the shutdown,” the statement read.
Following a briefing session that took place on Wednesday, NATJOINTS spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe confirmed all measures are in place to anticipate and quell unrest that may break out on Friday.
“With this said, law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to prevent and combat any forms of criminality. The respective PROVJOINTS have been directed to ensure multidisciplinary deployments and that the necessary contingency plans are in place.
“The NATJOINTS assures members of the public that enforcement of the law will be executed within relevant prescripts to ensure stability in the country,” the statement read.