The past two days’ local news cycle has been filled with reports of looting, destruction of property and general chaos in and around the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng CBDs. At this stage, while the police and military have been deployed in order to control protestors, it looks like social media is once again being used as a tool to add fuel to the fire.

With that in mind, Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster held a media briefing to reiterate government’s stance on the use of social media for inciting violence.

The cluster highlighted the Cybersecurity Act in particular, noting that it applies to anyone who, “unlawfully makes available, broadcasts or distributes, by means of a computer system, a data message to a specific person, group of persons or the general public with the intention to incite violence, or call people to be involved in the destruction of any property belonging to people, is guilty of an offence.”

The Ministers added that those who engage in such acts will be liable for a criminal offence and could receive a fine or be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years.

“As the cluster, we are monitoring all social media platforms and we are tracking those who are sharing false information and calling for civil disobedience,” explained Police Minister Bheki Cele in a statement.

With businesses guttered and people having lost their lives in recent days as a result of these violent acts, it is indeed turning into a dark week for South Africa. As others try to create even more chaos online, it is always important to remain sceptical of everything you see online and be cognisant of why you are sharing viral content.

With misinformation already rife as a result of the pandemic and lockdown, the latest events inciting violence is the last thing the country needs.

We urge anyone venturing outside their homes at the moment to do so cautiously.

[Source – SA News]
[Image – Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash]