Arrests as special voting closes, police out in force for election day
The acting police minister and his deputies toured the IEC's national operations centre at Gallagher Convention Centre as special votes wrapped up and the security build-up for election day took shape.
Police have made arrests over incidents reported during the two days of special voting, as the security operation for election day moves into its final phase.
The South African Police Service said the arrests relate to incidents reported in various parts of the country, without giving a number or saying where they took place. It said conduct that threatens the integrity of the electoral process will not be tolerated.
On the second and final day of special voting, the Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, visited the Independent Electoral Commission’s National Operations Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo, and the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel. The delegation met IEC commissioners and was briefed on how the special voting process was progressing and on the operational arrangements for voting day.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, known as NatJOINTS, is coordinating the security build-up. Police said it is continuing to strengthen operational readiness so that the necessary measures are in place for voting day.
The Police Ministry said every effort is being made, with the IEC and other stakeholders, to support free, fair and peaceful elections, and SAPS said it remains committed to enforcing the law impartially and decisively so that South Africans can vote in a safe and secure environment.
Police have not said what the reported incidents were, how many people were arrested, or whether anyone has been charged.
