21 election-related cases recorded, six suspects arrested: NATJOINTS

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) says police have recorded 21 case dockets linked to election-related incidents since Monday.

These include murder, theft and destruction of election material, arson, intimidation and impersonating IEC officials.

Six suspects have been arrested, while five cases have already been taken to court.

Among those arrested is a suspect accused of taking a photograph of a ballot paper in Christiana, North West.

NATJOINTS says law enforcement agencies remain on high alert and will act against anyone attempting to interfere with the electoral process.

NATJOINTS co-chairperson and Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili briefed the media in Pretoria this evening.

“21 case dockets were recorded since Monday to date, which include murder and other cases of theft involving banners, tents, removal of posters, arson, intimidation and other cases related to theft and defacing of election material, amongst others. Five of the case dockets have been processed to court. Out of the 21 registered case dockets, six suspects were arrested. The breakdown of the arrests is as follows: two suspects arrested on the case of impersonating an IEC official at Ingcobo in the Eastern Cape, one suspect arrested on the case of destroying election material in Mmametlake in Mpumalanga, one suspect arrested for malicious damage to property in Pienaar, Mpumalanga and one suspect arrested for taking a photograph of a ballot paper in Christiana, North West.”

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Meanwhile, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says it does not anticipate any major security challenges that would require the deployment of soldiers in Wednesday’s election.

However, it says the military remains on standby and stands ready for any deployment if the need arises.

SANDF Brigadier-General Martin Gopane says the Defence Force is working with the security cluster to ensure a safe and secure electoral process.
“The South African National Defence Force, it is the defence force of the people and being here, we are in cooperation with the security cluster, and we do not foresee that there’s going to be issues where the deployment of the defence force would be required. If it happens to be there, it will be in extreme cases. So, as the NATJOINTS, we are sure, or we are here to ensure that the elections which are taking place tomorrow are conducted in a secure and safe environment.”