‘Criminals will not be on holiday’: Mkhwanazi’s warning to election police

General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi briefs security forces at Hoy Park, Durban, ahead of their deployment for the November 4 elections, reminding them that "criminals will not be on holiday" and ordering zero tolerance for any lawlessness.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has warned police officers deployed for the 2026 Local Government Elections not to turn a blind eye to crime.

Mkhwanazi was addressing thousands of SAPS and SANDF members at their send-off parade at Hoy Park in Durban on Tuesday, ahead of main voting on November 4.

He told the multidisciplinary deployment that while the focus is on securing the elections, officers remain law enforcement officers first.

"When we are focused on these elections, let us not forget that we are law enforcement officers. Criminals will not be on holiday tomorrow. Some of them will not even vote," Mkhwanazi said.

"So therefore don't turn a blind eye on the crime that is committed in your presence."

He said if a member of the public approaches an officer, or if officers notice a crime happening in front of them at or near voting stations, they must act.

"Do not compromise and say because you are deployed for the elections you're going to forget about crime-fighting. Make those criminals remember that you are employed as a law enforcement officer."

Mkhwanazi said the deployment includes static officers at over 4,300 voting stations, roving teams to stop and search suspicious vehicles, and escorts for IEC material from warehouses to voting stations and back.

He said police would deal decisively with anyone violating the Electoral Act, including those entering voting stations with dangerous weapons or intimidating voters.

"We are not sending you out there to negotiate with the law breakers," he said, also warning officers to remain disciplined, remain calm when provoked, and not report late for duty or indulge in illegal substances while on duty.

Mkhwanazi briefed the troops on the province's election security plan as KZN wraps up Day 2 of special voting today, with over 5.8 million voters expected to vote tomorrow.