At least four people were arrested for election-related incidents in North West. In the Klipgat informal settlement near Klerkskraal, police arrested two suspects, 38 and 48, as well as a 16-year-old, for public violence. They allegedly attempted to prevent a voting station from opening on Saturday (20/6).

North West police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh said another incident was reported in Wolmaransstad on Saturday, where a 35-year-old was arrested after allegedly threatening an IEC official and ordering the official to close and leave the voting station.

The suspect was charged with intimidation in terms of the Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998. All four suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Although persistent rainfall created accessibility challenges at some voting stations, no crime-related incidents were reported on Sunday, said Myburgh. 

Free State authorities reported a trouble-free voter registration weekend across the province. Provincial police spokesperson Brig. Thandi Mbambo said the registration process was conducted successfully without any major security incidents.

“The peaceful and orderly conduct of the registration process is a testament to the commitment of Free State residents to democracy, responsible citizenship, and respect for the rule of law.

“Communities throughout the province conducted themselves with discipline and dignity, contributing significantly to the success of this important electoral process,” said Mbambo.

Free State provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia extended his appreciation to all community members, political parties, electoral officials, community structures, and stakeholders who played a role in ensuring a peaceful environment at voter registration stations.

Meanwhile, the IEC reported strong turnout figures nationwide. Speaking at a media briefing at the electoral body’s headquarters in Centurion on Sunday (21/6), deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi said approximately 330,000 registration applications had already been received and processed by midday. 

Around 300,000 applications were submitted at 23,706 voting stations using voter management devices, while a further 30,000 registrations were completed through the registration platform.

Although protests in some areas delayed the opening of registration stations, Sheburi said the overall process had proceeded successfully. The IEC recently announced that some 28-million South Africans are registered voters on the national voters’ roll.

It decreases by about 34,000 voters each month due to deaths, but the overall registration numbers continue to grow. During the 2024 general election, the voters’ roll stood at 27.7 million.

Security forces

North West police said security forces remain on high alert as the province enters the March-to-March election period. Myburgh said the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, comprising the police and various government departments, would remain fully mobilised.

High-visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, public order policing deployments, and rapid-response capabilities remain in place to ensure stability and swiftly address any incidents that may arise.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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