Eastern Cape police pulled out of Nelson Mandela Bay and sent to OR Tambo for election duty

Police officers from Nelson Mandela Bay are being sent to the OR Tambo District to work the elections, leaving their own homes and families behind for the deployment.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata addressed the members on Monday, 2 November 2026, before they left. He thanked them for answering the call to serve during the elections and told them their responsibility is to ensure all South Africans are able to exercise their democratic right to vote in a safe and secure environment.

Ncata acknowledged what the deployment costs the members themselves, saying he recognised the sacrifices they make when they leave their homes and families to serve in other parts of the province. He said he was proud of the positive response and commended members for their willingness to assist where additional police resources are needed.

The commissioner also thanked SAPS Head Office for supporting the deployment, and praised members for their professional appearance and operational readiness, saying their discipline and commitment reflected the standards expected of the service.

He urged them to maintain discipline throughout, comply with all electoral and operational regulations and stay focused on their responsibilities. Teamwork and command and control were central to his address, and he encouraged members to work closely with their commanders and support personnel. He called on them to treat all stakeholders, including transport service providers, with respect and professionalism.

Ncata closed by thanking Station Commanders and senior officers for supporting the deployment and wished the members a safe journey, expressing confidence that they would represent Nelson Mandela Bay with pride and professionalism while contributing to free and fair elections in the province. He wished them success and prayed for their safety through the election period.