Pretoria – South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has urged residents and motorists to ignore a WhatsApp message doing the rounds calling for a shutdown.
SAPS issued a statement Sunday night saying: “General Fannie Masemola cautions members of the public against spreading WhatsApp messages that seek to mobilise communities to shut down and block highways, close schools, shut down the American embassy and Consulate as well as close down targeted food outlets in Gauteng on Monday, 26 May 2025”.
General Masemola warned against lawlessness and said police and other law enforcers would be on high alert on Monday, 28 May 2025.
General Masemola also cautioned against spreading the offending WhatsApp message containing “fake news and misinformation”.
“Members of the public are warned that this Whatsapp message only seeks to instill fear, bully community members, and incite violence,” the SAPS said.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore this WhatsApp message and refrain from sharing it further.”
General Masemola assured Gauteng residents that the police under the command of the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni working closely with other law enforcement agencies.
The other agencies include the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Departments, national and provincial traffic authorities, and private security.
General Masemola said the police and all these agencies “were on high alert and will not tolerate any lawlessness”.
He added: “Everything from businesses, schools, to services will be fully functional and operational and accessible”.
General Masemola said there will be no highway shutdowns or road closures.
“We are not going to allow lawlessness and acts of criminality; those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” warned General Masemola.
He said contrary to the message, the N1 Sandton, N1 Pretoria, and M1 and M2 motorways “will be opened”.
SAPS assures Gauteng residents that there is no need to panic; all law enforcement agencies led by the SAPS are on high alert and will leave nothing to chance.
“We also call upon our communities to also work with us by distancing themselves from any acts of lawlessness, in the best interest of all people living in Gauteng,” SAPS said.
“We call on all people in Gauteng to uphold the law and to say no to any action aimed at breaking the country’s laws.”
