‘You march, you commit a crime’: Police issue stern warning ahead of local government elections

Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), has cautioned that no marches or protests will be permitted on the day of South Africa's 2026 local government elections, scheduled for Wednesday, November 4. Violators will be committing a crime and face enforcement action from law enforcement nationwide.

Protest is not encouraged, Mosikili emphasized, as it is prohibited on election day. She reiterated that demonstrations should conclude at midnight on Tuesday. Demonstrations would not be allowed on election day, as that would be tantamount to committing a crime. Mosikili, while speaking at a media briefing in Tshwane, warned that security assessments were taking into account various factors, including political tensions, service delivery protests, anti-foreigner sentiment, labor disputes, and other developments that could disrupt the electoral environment.

The police will not tolerate any attempts to intimidate voters, threaten election officials, or obstruct citizens from exercising their democratic rights. Political parties, candidates, and supporters are urged to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine the elections. Additionally, members of the anti-illegal immigration movement March and March are barred from demonstrating during the election period, and any subsequent protests must adhere to designated times and routes.

A total of 29.2 million registered voters are expected to participate in the elections, with 2,655,067 voters approved for special voting.