These towns are amongst those that recently made headlines over violent protests that saw hundreds being arrested for public violence. The protests in Kroonstad, last month, saw vehicles belonging to the Moqhaka Local Municipality, as well as a local post office, being torched amongst other properties. The IEC’s Electoral Officer in the Free State, Jabulani Tshabalala, has thus far confirmed that there have not been any incidents reported and are keeping a close eye on towns where there have been sporadic protests. Over 66 000 registered special voters in the province are expected to cast their ballots today and tomorrow. Jabulani has further confirmed that all stations set for special votes opened on time this morning and all their teams are on the ground. 

During a media briefing on the State Security’s readiness for the elections, Police Minister Bheki Cele announced that it’s all systems go and that more police officers will be deployed to places that have been identified as hotspots. 

The provinces of North West and KwaZulu-Natal are amongst those he mentioned are high-risk areas and will be closely monitored. 

Several areas in southern KwaZulu-Natal are among those where a high number of police officers have been deployed as they are notorious for political killings and violent public protests.

The North West is another province notorious for violent protests following the unrest that erupted last year leading President Cyril Ramaphosa to place it under administration after residents went up in arms over service delivery issues and calls for former Premier Supra Mahumapelo to step down. 

OFM News