NATIONAL NEWS - The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating approximately 14 cases linked to the 2026 Local Government Elections, including theft, intimidation and incidents involving political party members.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed the investigations during a media briefing at the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Wednesday, 4 November.
He said most of the cases reported since Tuesday were election-related, including the alleged theft of ballot papers, intimidation and clashes between supporters of different political parties.
Police are also investigating serious crimes, including murders reported in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Masemola identified parts of eThekwini and uMkhanyakude in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as certain areas in the Eastern and Western Cape, as election hotspots.
Despite these incidents, he said the elections had generally proceeded peacefully, with security measures in place to respond to disruptions.
Police were called to a protest in the Amathole District Municipality, where residents raised concerns about water-related issues. The protest was dispersed to allow voting to continue.
While acknowledging communities' right to protest, Masemola stressed that such action should not interfere with the electoral process.
He also reminded police officers of their obligation to remain politically impartial while on duty. Although officers may vote for the political party of their choice in their personal capacity, they are not permitted to wear party regalia while performing their duties.
Voters urged to make their voices heard
Meanwhile, Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni urged South Africans to use the remaining time available to cast their votes, highlighting the importance of local government decisions in people's everyday lives.
She said municipalities were responsible for essential services and matters affecting communities, including water, electricity, roads and local economic development.
Baleni emphasised that voting was both a democratic right and a responsibility, particularly in recognition of the sacrifices made by those who fought for South Africa's democracy.
She warned that failing to vote meant giving up an opportunity to influence decisions affecting local communities.
“Otherwise, if we do not vote, nobody will ever hear our voice, and the issues we care about will not be attended to,” she said. - Source: SAnews.gov.za
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