Police warn against election violence as arrests are made ahead of November 4 vote

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia visited the IEC National Operations Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre on Tuesday to assess election security readiness ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.

Police have warned that lawlessness and attempts to disrupt South Africa’s local government elections will not be tolerated, following several reported incidents and arrests across the country as special voting draws to a close.

The warning comes as Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, visited the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) National Operations Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre on Tuesday, November 3.

The visit took place on the second and final day of special voting, ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.

According to Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi, the delegation met with IEC commissioners and received briefings on the progress of special voting and security arrangements for election day.

Mogotsi confirmed that several incidents had been reported in different parts of the country during the special voting period, prompting police intervention and arrests.

"While the process has been underway, a number of incidents have been reported in various parts of the country. The police have effected arrests in connection with reported incidents and reiterate that lawlessness and any conduct that threatens the integrity of the electoral process will not be tolerated," Mogotsi said.

The warning comes as law enforcement agencies intensify security operations to protect voters, election officials and voting stations ahead of Wednesday's polls.

Mogotsi said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) was continuing to coordinate security operations across the country to ensure police readiness for election day.

"The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) continues to coordinate and strengthen operational readiness to ensure that all necessary security measures are in place ahead of tomorrow’s voting day," Mogotsi said.

The structure is responsible for coordinating security operations involving law enforcement and other relevant agencies during the elections.

The ministry said cooperation between the police, IEC and other stakeholders remained critical to ensuring that voting proceeded without intimidation or disruption.

Mogotsi said the ministry remained committed to ensuring that South Africans could cast their ballots without fear.

"The Police Ministry assures the public that every effort is being made, in collaboration with the IEC and relevant stakeholders, to support the delivery of free, fair and peaceful elections," Mogotsi said.

"The South African Police Service remains committed to enforcing the law impartially and decisively, ensuring that all South Africans can exercise their democratic right to vote in a safe and secure environment."

South Africans will head to the polls on Wednesday, November 4, which has been declared a public holiday to allow registered voters to participate in the local government elections.