Election day warning: Eastern Cape police told to act against unlawful conduct

Eastern Cape police have been instructed to take strong action against any illegal behavior during Wednesday's Local Government Elections, according to Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata. Speaking at the Mthatha Central Police Station on Wednesday, November 4, Ncata emphasized that no one's political affiliation would exempt them from the law.

The order was part of the province's security operations designed to guarantee a voting process free from intimidation, violence, or interruption. Ncata stressed the importance of impartiality, professionalism, and discipline among the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) personnel assigned to protect the elections.

Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, a police spokesperson, reported that Ncata reinforced the need for officers to act without fear or favor, and to respond firmly to any unlawful activities. Ncata stressed that the SAPS was not participating in the election process but was tasked with ensuring the conditions for democracy. The directive aims to allow every eligible voter in Eastern Cape to participate in the electoral process with safety and security.

As South Africans across the nation head to polling stations to choose their municipal representatives, police have been deployed to maintain public order, prevent electoral disturbances, and safeguard the integrity of the voting process. Ncata also announced that Ncata would oversee aerial surveillance across the OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, and Joe Gqabi districts as part of the province's election-day operational plan.

This surveillance is part of the broader security measures aimed at monitoring conditions on the ground and supporting deployed officers.