By Priya Ranchod
With South Africans preparing to head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured the public that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure peaceful, free and fair 2026 Local Government Elections.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, 3 November, SAPS National NATJOINTS Coordinator Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili confirmed that law enforcement agencies and relevant government departments were fully prepared to manage the security environment on Election Day, following two days of special voting.
The briefing followed an earlier update on Sunday, 1 November, ahead of the commencement of special voting. Tuesday's address focused on incidents recorded during the special voting period and the operational measures in place to protect voters, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials, political party representatives and members of the public.
Mosikili confirmed that NATJOINTS, working alongside the nine Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS), remained fully activated, with continuous monitoring of the security situation across all provinces, districts and municipalities.
"Our operational structures are positioned to respond to any eventuality that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process or the safety and security of voters, IEC officials, political party representatives and members of the public," said Mosikili.
She reminded political parties and their supporters that the official election campaigning period would end at midnight on Tuesday, 3 November. No campaigning, political persuasion, solicitation or intimidation of voters would be permitted at or around voting stations on Election Day.
Mosikili also warned against protests on Election Day, stating that anyone found contravening Section 76 of the Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000, or any other applicable legislation, would face the necessary legal consequences.
"Our intention as law enforcement agencies is not to prevent people from exercising their constitutional and democratic rights. On the contrary, our deployment is intended to create an environment in which every South African can safely access a voting station and cast their vote without fear, intimidation or disruption," she said.
The security briefing comes amid concerns over politically related violence, particularly following the killing of an uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party regional leader in KwaZulu-Natal during the special voting period.
Mosikili confirmed that investigators were pursuing available leads to ensure those responsible were brought to justice, with the Political Killings Task Team providing the necessary investigative support.
She called on political parties, their leadership, members and supporters to exercise political tolerance and restraint, emphasising that political differences must never result in violence, intimidation or loss of life.
"We wish to 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," Mosikili warned.
Another incident under investigation is the death of an IEC presiding officer in Buhrmansdrift, in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of North West. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death to establish the cause.
Mosikili confirmed that contingency arrangements had been activated following the incident to allow investigators to process the scene while ensuring that the special voting process was appropriately managed.
The voting station is expected to be fully operational for Election Day.
Providing an update on election-related criminal cases, Mosikili revealed that 21 case dockets had been registered from Monday up to Tuesday. These included murder, theft of election banners and tents, removal and defacing of posters, arson, intimidation and other incidents involving election material.
Of the 21 cases, five had already been processed to court, while six suspects had been arrested.
The arrests included two suspects accused of impersonating IEC officials in Ingcobo, Eastern Cape. A further suspect was arrested for allegedly destroying election material in Mmametlake, Mpumalanga, while another was arrested for malicious damage to property in Pienaar, Mpumalanga.
In Christiana, North West, one suspect was arrested for allegedly taking a photograph of a ballot paper.
Mosikili acknowledged that these incidents had caused concern as the country approached Election Day but assured South Africans that all reported matters were receiving attention from the relevant operational structures.
Beyond policing and crime prevention, NATJOINTS had also conducted security and operational readiness assessments across government departments to ensure that essential services were available at voting stations.
These included electricity and water supplies, as well as the necessary infrastructure and support services required by IEC officials and security personnel.
Following reports of electricity interruptions affecting municipalities in various provinces over the preceding two days, Mosikili confirmed that the challenges had received attention from the relevant government departments and coordinating structures. Interventions had been undertaken, with contingency measures in place to address any further disruptions.
She further confirmed that adequate security personnel and resources had been deployed countrywide, guided by intelligence assessments and operational requirements in areas identified as requiring heightened attention.
"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," she said.
Mosikili urged South Africans to play their part in ensuring peaceful elections by exercising their democratic right to vote, respecting the rights of others, refraining from spreading misinformation and complying with the laws of the country.
She stressed that the success of the elections was a collective responsibility, requiring cooperation from political parties, communities, traditional leaders, civil society and every eligible voter.
As the country prepares for Wednesday's polls, NATJOINTS, together with the nine PROVJOINTS, government departments and law enforcement agencies, has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the electoral process.
Mosikili concluded by assuring the public that the Security Cluster remained at its highest operational level, with the necessary personnel, resources, coordination and contingency arrangements in place.
The message ahead of Election Day is clear: South Africans must be able to exercise their democratic right without fear, intimidation or interference.