Some 21 police case dockets related to incidents during the special voting period of the 2026 Local Government Elections have been opened.
This is according to the co-chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, who briefed the media on behalf of the body on Tuesday evening.
“A total of 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,” she stated.
The breakdown of the arrests is as follows:
– Two suspects arrested in the case of impersonating an Electoral Commission (IEC) official at Ingcobo in the Eastern Cape
– One suspect arrested in the case of destroying election material in Mmametlake in Mpumalanga.
– One suspect arrested for malicious damage to property in Pienaar, Mpumalanga.
– One suspect arrested for taking a photograph of a ballot paper in Christina, North West
“We recognise that these incidents have caused concern, particularly as the country approaches Election Day.
“However, we wish to assure South Africans that every incident brought to the attention of our operational structures is receiving the necessary attention and that appropriate interventions are being implemented,” she stated.
Registered voters will go to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November.
Mosikili noted that some incidents during the two-day special voting period have required the attention of law enforcement agencies and an operational response.
“Of particular concern is the killing of a uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party regional leader in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We are confident that the investigating team will pursue available leads to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The Political Killings Task Team is also seized with these matters and will provide the necessary investigative support,” she assured.
READ | Day 2 of special votes concludes
Tolerance and vigilance
In this regard, political parties, their members and supporters are urged to “exercise political tolerance and restraint”.
“Political differences must never translate into violence, intimidation or the loss of lives. We further caution anyone who may be contemplating acts of violence, assassination or any other criminal activity during this electoral period that our law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and will act decisively against criminal conduct.
“These attacks and killings reinforce the need for heightened vigilance and a strengthened operational posture. Police and other law enforcement agencies will act decisively to ensure law and order; no excuses will be entertained when crime is committed,” she said.
Furthermore, security measures have been intensified with particular attention to “areas identified through intelligence assessments as requiring increased security interventions”.
“Our approach remains proactive, intelligence-driven and responsive to emerging threats. We will not allow criminal elements to exploit the electoral period to destabilise communities, intimidate voters or undermine the democratic process,” Mosikili emphasised.
Probe into death of presiding officer
Additionally, the death of an IEC presiding officer in the North West is being investigated by police to determine the cause.
“In this regard, contingency plans were activated to attend to the special voting processes when the voting station closed, to allow space for thorough processing of the scene.
“The voting station will be activated and fully operational for the voting day tomorrow,” she said.
Service delivery
Mosikili highlighted that NatJOINTS has engaged government departments to ensure that critical services required for operational execution of the elections are available.
“This includes the provision of essential services such as electricity and water at voting stations, as well as the availability of the necessary infrastructure and support services to enable IEC officials and security personnel to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“We have noted media reports concerning electricity interruptions affecting some municipalities in provinces over the past two days.
“We wish to give an assurance that these matters have received attention through the relevant government departments and coordinating structures. The identified challenges have been attended to, and contingency measures are in place to address any further disruptions that may arise,” Mosikili said.
READ | NatJOINTS: Readiness for LGE 2026 at ‘highest operational level’
– SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
