KZN police warn social media incitement will be prosecuted under Cybercrimes Act

KwaZulu‑Natal police have warned residents that posts, voice notes or public statements that incite violence on social media could lead to criminal charges under the Cybercrimes Act.

Police cite Cybercrimes Act and Section 14

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a spokesperson for the KZN police, highlighted Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act, Act No. 19 of 2020, saying it makes it an offence to disclose a data message via an electronic communications service with the intention of inciting damage to property or violence against people.

Example: conviction linked to Operation Dudula

Netshiunda referred to a successful prosecution under the section involving Philani Ronnie Gumede, a member of Operation Dudula in March 2022. According to police, Gumede distributed an inflammatory voice note that promoted the chasing away of foreign nationals and entering their shops, salons and workplaces. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to a fine of R10 000 or three years’ direct imprisonment.

Marches, monitoring and policing plans

Netshiunda said the province has experienced a wave of marches that have largely been peaceful, but that officers had noted social media activity they regard as potentially inciting violence and lawlessness. He reminded the public that the right to march is protected in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and that this right must be exercised within the law and with regard for the rights of others.

Police warned they are monitoring the public space and that cybercrime officers will be profiling posts and statements deemed to be inciting violence. Netshiunda said police will deploy pre-, during and post-30 June 2026 to ensure stability, peace and order, and that anyone found breaking the law will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

What police say the public should expect

• Heightened monitoring of social media and public statements by cybercrime units.
• Deployments by police around the 30 June 2026 marches.
• Potential prosecution under Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act for messages intended to incite violence or damage to property.