PRETORIA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed a circulating video as fake and misleading after it falsely depicted acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane declaring the planned nationwide protest on 30 June unlawful.

In a statement, SAPS said the clip does not reflect the views or official position of either the acting national commissioner or the organisation.

The service condemned those responsible for producing and sharing manipulated content intended to mislead communities and undermine the credibility of its leadership.

SAPS reiterated that the Dimpane fully upholds the constitutional rights to protest, demonstrate and free expression, provided actions are peaceful and within the bounds of the law.

The police said they remain committed to policing all lawful gatherings in a way that maintains public order and protects the rights of all citizens.

The public has been urged to avoid sharing unverified material and to consult official SAPS channels for accurate updates.