With close to 1 500 voting stations across the Free State, police say their deployment will be intelligence-driven and responsive.

Provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Sam Makhele, says the police in the province are ready to deliver safe and secure elections on Wednesday.

He adds that the Free State has in the last few days seen a number of protests in the run-up to this election, including in areas such as Viljoenskroon and Marquard where a number of protestors were arrested. 

He said the joint operation center, based in Bloemfontein, has done its deployment over the weekend and a considerable number of police officers across the province are rightfully placed to make sure that it’s all system go for tomorrow.  

Makhele says measures have been put in place in anticipation of possible security breaches, such as intimidation of voters and electoral officers; obstruction of voting and the voting process; public violence and malicious damage to property; theft and common robberies at or near voting stations.

Makhele says they are ready, and adds they have appealed to the public to work with the police during the election to fight any criminal elements.

OFM News/Michael Tlhakudi