President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday said security agencies have obtained intelligence suggesting a possible coordinated criminal conspiracy to target individuals, damage public and private property and disrupt essential services.
In a public address, the President said investigations are underway to identify persons who may be involved in planning, directing, financing or carrying out criminal activities. He also alleged that certain inflammatory statements circulating on social media may be linked to those plans.
“We have obtained credible intelligence suggesting links between certain statements and planned criminal activities targeting individuals, public and private property,” Ali said.
According to the President, the intelligence points to possible efforts to intimidate or harm individuals, disrupt economic activity and create disorder. He said the authorities are examining the roles of alleged organisers, financiers and others behind any planned offences.
“I wish to make it clear that all persons implicated including the intellectual authors will be pursued and where the evidence supports prosecution, the appropriate charges will be made,” he stated.
Ali said potential charges could include conspiracy, aiding and abetting, attempted offences and terrorism-related offences, where the necessary legal requirements are established.
The President expressed concern about statements relating to ongoing court proceedings, which he said contain misleading information and inflammatory allegations that could encourage unlawful conduct.
He warned that public concern over judicial matters must not be used as a pretext for violence or criminal activity.
Among the activities he identified were burning tyres and blocking public roads, sabotaging property, inciting violence through social media, threatening public officials and private citizens or their families, and attacking essential services.
“Those who plan, direct, finance, incite, assist or execute criminal acts will be held accountable under the law,” Ali said.
The address also referenced the attack on GPL’s Good Hope substation on Tuesday night, which remains under investigation.
While warning against criminal conduct, Ali said the Government recognises citizens’ constitutional right to express their views and participate in lawful, peaceful protests.
“We recognize this. We value this. This is an important part of our democracy. But it must be lawful and peaceful,” he said.
He maintained that those freedoms do not extend to violence, intimidation, destruction of property or criminal incitement, and urged citizens to reject calls for unlawful action.
Ali said the Joint Services and intelligence agencies are working with international partners to assess threats and take preventative measures. He also pledged that the Government would protect constitutional freedoms and uphold due process as investigations proceed.
