Provincial police commissioner Lt. Gen. Arthur Adams addressed the media on the North West’s state of readiness on Sunday (2/11). “It’s our primary objective to create an environment that allows all eligible South Africans to exercise their democratic right freely, safely and without fear.” 

Approved special voters are scheduled to cast their votes on Monday and Tuesday, while Wednesday will be the official voting day for registered voters to elect their preferred political parties and candidates.

Adams said the province currently had no voting stations classified as high risk, although intelligence gathering and security assessments remain ongoing.

“As also communicated by our national management, North West does not have any high-risk voting station at this stage. But as we are aware, the intelligence gathering and the work are continuously happening and will be directed by what comes from there.”

At least 370 voting stations have been classified as medium risk. Adams explained that the distinction between low-, medium- and high-risk voting stations largely determines the number of police officers allocated to each station.

Soldiers will also remain on standby should additional assistance be required. Security arrangements would remain flexible to respond to any developments that could threaten the electoral process. 

“All voting stations must receive necessary attention and security if required. The security environment remains dynamic, and circumstances can change at any moment, and for that we’ve got contingencies in place that we adapt our plans as indicated. We have simulated possible risks that might manifest over these three days, and we are ready to respond.”

During the 2024 national and provincial elections, several incidents in North West required police intervention. In Shaleng village in Kgomotso, election officials encountered a situation where the gate of a voting station had been welded shut, preventing access to the facility.

However, the incident was resolved promptly, allowing voting to proceed normally. There had been no applications for special votes at the affected station. Police also reported an altercation in Pudumo involving members of two political parties, which resulted in a police case being opened. In Ikageng, a political party poster was defaced, leading to arrests.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

• Do you have a news tip to share? Call or WhatsApp the OFM News line at 066 487 1427.