By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The additional Public Order Policing have been deployed to different parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Mthatha in the Eastern Cape amid disruptive and violent protests in both provinces.
This was announced by the National Commissioner Fannie Masemola during a sendoff parade in Harrismith in the Free State.
Masemola said the deployment of these officers will add to the capacity of members currently deployed in these provinces, ensuring that voting takes place in a safe and secure environment.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed on Monday that more than a hundred voting stations were closed on the first day of special voting, mainly due to the taxi strike in Mthatha.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says police have mobilised maximum resources to combat the lawlessness in KZN and Eastern Cape.
“During his address, General Masemola gave the men and women in blue marching orders to ensure they prevent and combat any acts of criminality and protect the rights of South Africans to vote in a peaceful environment.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Co-chair of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), also participated in the send-off parade. She urged the officers to perform their duties within the legal framework, underscoring the importance of lawful conduct during these operations.
Earlier reports indicated a tense situation in Mthatha, which caused several roads to be closed. At around 9:00, five suspects were arrested following an altercation where shots were fired at POP and Mthatha Vispol members.
Two suspects were injured, and two firearms were confiscated. Authorities have opened cases of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms for further investigation.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said that he had asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to send the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Mthatha to help maintain order and restore calm.
Mabuyane said the burning of trucks, and looting of goods “hampers the economic life of the province” and was strongly condemned by the Provincial Government.
“To salvage the situation, I have engaged both the Ministers of Police and Defence, as such, there has been an increased deployment of law enforcement agencies on the ground.
“The deployment of the South African Defence Force has also been prioritised to (hot spot) areas in the province including Mthatha, “he said.
Mabuyane said the killing of three taxi owners last week is also under investigation following multiple shooting incidents in the areas of Ugie, Maclear, and Mthatha.
“We commend the swift arrests made by SAPS and strongly send a warning to those found to be inciting violence in the province. The Provincial Government had to implement immediate action to restore peace and order in all the affected areas,” the Premier said.
Additionally, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene issued a stern warning against the circulation of videos and messages inciting unrest.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also illegal. We will take strict action against anyone found to be engaging in activities that threaten the safety and security of the public and the integrity of the election process,”she stated.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department said the airport “will cautiously resume its services” after flights, car rental, and other supporting services at the airport were suspended.
The suspension of services at the airport was hastened after a group of five balaclavas clad gunmen stormed the airport, threatening to burn it and ordering for its immediate closure.