National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola has stated that law-enforcement agencies have put in place operational plans, resources, and security measures to guarantee a safe and secure voting process. These measures include plans for special votes, general voting day, counting processes, and ballot paper safety. A total of 331 voting stations nationwide have been identified as high-risk areas that may experience instability due to service-delivery protests, community unrest, and other security-related incidents.
The province with the highest number of high-risk voting stations is KwaZulu-Natal, with 165 identified across the province. Of these, 124 are located in the eThekwini district, while others are in uThukela, Amajuba, Zululand, and the Ugu districts. Gauteng has 119 high-risk voting stations, with 75 in the Johannesburg district, 23 in Ekurhuleni, 14 in the City of Tshwane, six in the West Rand, and one in Sedibeng. In contrast, the North West, Limpopo, Northern Cape, and Free State have no voting stations classified as high-risk.
Gen Masemola assured that sufficient security measures are in place to address the identified risks, with enhanced police visibility and operational interventions where required. He expressed confidence that the implemented measures will enable the police to respond effectively to potential threats and incidents. The police are monitoring the situation closely and will act decisively to ensure that those responsible for any criminality are brought to justice.
A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime recorded 43 murders between January and September affecting councillors and members of political parties. Gen Masemola stated that the police are concerned about the killings and attacks targeting political party supporters, party members, and ward candidates. He emphasized that such acts of violence have no place in democracy and urged political parties to exercise tolerance and refrain from using violence to resolve political disputes.
The election security operation will be led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), metro police departments, and the State Security Agency. Specialized units, including the special task force, national intervention unit, and tactical response teams, have been placed on standby to respond to serious incidents. Roving operational teams will also be available to reinforce provincial deployments where necessary.
Gen Masemola addressed the SAPS court application concerning marches and public demonstrations in KwaZulu-Natal, stating that it is not intended to prevent people from exercising their constitutional right to protest. The application seeks an interim order requiring organizers and participants to comply with laws governing public gatherings. He added that the move follows escalating incidents of violence, intimidation, and property destruction associated with marches in and around Durban.
As election day approaches, Gen Masemola called on political parties, candidates, and communities to reject violence and cooperate with law enforcement. He emphasized that the police are committed to ensuring safety, preventing crime, enforcing the law, building public trust, and supporting every eligible voter’s constitutional right to participate in a free, fair, safe, and peaceful electoral process. Police stations will remain open and continue providing their usual services throughout the election period.
Key points
- The South African police have identified 331 high-risk voting stations nationwide, with KwaZulu-Natal having the highest number at 165.
- The police have implemented operational plans, resources, and security measures to guarantee a safe and secure voting process.
- The election security operation will be led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), metro police departments, and the State Security Agency.
