KZN police record 18 election-related cases since start of voting

Police in KwaZulu-Natal say at least 18 cases have been recorded across the province since the start of special voting. The incidents include election-related arrests, intimidation, assault and malicious damage to property.

Briefing the media at the Results Operations Centre in Durban, Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Phumelele Makoba says seven suspects have been arrested so far.

Police say the province remained calm following the close of voting, despite isolated incidents of political intolerance reported in several areas.

There were isolated clashes involving supporters of contesting political parties, but most were resolved without criminal cases being opened.

“We had to top up our game as Police and other law enforcement to police 165 high risk voting stations, 1014 medium risk voting stations, and 3550 low risk voting stations across the 11 districts of KZN. Although, we had pockets of political intolerance, the province remained stable throughout the election period, u to this point. And we shall keep our deployment at strategic points until the counting of votes has been concluded and the results have been announced.”

Makoba says police deployments will remain on high alert to ensure a smooth transition towards the establishment of new municipal councils.

“Our deployment will remain on high alert to ensure that there is a smooth transition into the establishment of councils across the municipalities. We are calling upon political parties to show political maturity and respect the will of the people. Any dissatisfaction with either the electoral process or the outcomes of the voting must be expressed through prescribed channels, and not through public disorder or violent protests.”

Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi says the deployment of SAPS members will remain until councils are constituted and continuous assessments will be conducted on the stability of the province.