Pretoria:Some 21 police case dockets have been opened in connection with incidents during the special voting period of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
According to South African Government News Agency, the co-chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, provided a briefing on Tuesday evening detailing the incidents. These included murder, theft of election materials such as banners and tents, removal of posters, arson, and intimidation. Out of the 21 cases, five have been processed to court, and six suspects have been arrested.
The arrests include two individuals for impersonating an Electoral Commission (IEC) official in Ingcobo, Eastern Cape, one for destroying election material in Mmametlake, Mpumalanga, one for malicious damage to property in Pienaar, Mpumalanga, and another for taking a photograph of a ballot paper in Christina, North West. Lieutenant General Mosikili emphasized the importance of addressing these incidents as the country approaches Election Day on November 4.
Mosikili also expressed concern over the killing of a uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party regional leader in KwaZulu-Natal. The Political Killings Task Team is actively investigating to ensure those responsible are held accountable. She urged political parties and their supporters to exercise tolerance and refrain from violence during the electoral period.
In response to the incidents, security measures have been intensified in areas identified as requiring increased attention. The approach remains proactive and intelligence-driven to prevent any exploitation of the electoral period for criminal activities.
Additionally, the police are investigating the death of an IEC presiding officer in the North West. Contingency plans were activated to ensure the voting station remains operational for Election Day.
Mosikili assured that NatJOINTS has coordinated with government departments to ensure critical services such as electricity and water are available at voting stations. Issues with electricity interruptions in some municipalities have been addressed, with contingency measures in place to handle any further disruptions.