Election security tightened as police warn against intimidation and violence - IOL

Police and law enforcement agencies are on high alert to ensure a safe and peaceful Local Government Election across the Western Cape.

South African security forces are preparing for a potentially tense local government election, with police, the military and community structures on alert to prevent violence, intimidation and disruptions at voting stations.

In the Western Cape, police and integrated law-enforcement agencies have been mobilised to protect voters, with provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi warning that no area would be allowed to become a no-go zone.

With the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on standby to support police in identified hotspots, authorities have also activated intelligence-led operations across all nine provinces.

Dyantyi said police would maintain a visible presence to ensure eligible voters could exercise their democratic rights without fear.

"Police and their integrated partners will maintain a visible presence across the province, ensuring that no area is regarded as a no-go area and that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without fear or intimidation," he said.

He warned that lawlessness, intimidation and attempts to undermine the democratic process would not be tolerated.

The SANDF has been placed on standby to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in identified election hotspots.

Deputy National Commissioner for Policing and NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said intelligence-led security operations had been activated across all nine provinces.

She warned that marches and demonstrations would not be permitted on voting day and urged the public to avoid unnecessary gatherings around polling stations.

Authorities are particularly monitoring protest-related tensions in KwaZulu-Natal, while taxi-related violence remains a concern in the Western Cape.

Security concerns come amid wider reports of political killings and threats against election candidates in the Western Cape.

Community Policing Forums (CPFs) are also playing a role in election security across Cape Town's voting districts.

Nyanga CPF secretary Dumisane Qwabe said election day could prove challenging, particularly in wards with a large number of candidates.

“We cannot underestimate how challenging these elections are going to be. In Ward 37 alone, there are 46 candidates. We could see tensions and arrogance among voters, and that could become a serious problem for us. But we will be on the ground to help manage the situation,” he said.

Qwabe said recent deadly taxi violence had further heightened concerns about voter safety, particularly at polling stations situated near taxi ranks.

“One of our voting stations is close to a taxi rank, and people might be afraid to go there to cast their votes. We are hoping for a peaceful election day. We have been engaging with communities and encouraging people to remain calm, respect one another and allow everyone to exercise their democratic right to vote peacefully,” he said.

Taxi-related violence has remained a concern in Cape Town, with recent police deployments at Western Cape crime hotspots highlighting the focus on voter safety.

Kensington CPF acting deputy chairperson Christian Paulse also urged political parties and their supporters to act responsibly, respect electoral officials and fellow voters, and refrain from conduct that could inflame tensions.