KwaZulu-Natal police have distanced themselves from a march being advertised on social media platforms which purports to be in support of Provincial Police Commissioner of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said Mkhwanazi has noted with grave concern a poster bearing his face which is circulating on social media as well as WhatsApp groups, about a planned march which is supposedly organised in support of him.
“As police in KwaZulu-Natal we are distancing ourselves from such a march,” he said.
Netshiunda said according to their records, no notice was given by the organisers to law enforcement for the hosting of such a march.
“As a result, the hosting of such a march will be outside the ambit of the law,” he said.
He said police in the province have also employed legal services and are considering taking legal action against those responsible.
“Police are pleading with individuals to refrain from using the photographs of the Provincial Commissioner for their ulterior motives,” said Netshiunda.
Netshiunda added that policing is a collective effort and police in KZN do not take lightly the insinuation by certain individuals that policing in the province is centralised to the Provincial Commissioner.
“As much as community members appreciate the work that is being done by police in the province, residents are reminded that it is also their responsibility to isolate criminals and work with police to create a safe and secure KwaZulu-Natal for all residents and visitors,” he said.
In addition, he reminded organisers of marches and other events that publishing someone’s photograph or personal information without their consent is against the Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Act.
The Mercury