KZN police record 18 election-related cases since start of voting

KwaZulu-Natal police have recorded 18 election-related cases since the start of voting, according to Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Phumelele Makoba. The incidents include arrests, intimidation, assault, and damage to property. Makoba briefed the media at the Results Operations Centre in Durban, reporting that seven suspects have been arrested so far.

Despite these isolated incidents, the province remained calm after voting closed, with no major clashes reported between political party supporters. Police had to deploy at high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk voting stations across the 11 districts of KZN. Makoba emphasized that police deployments would remain on high alert until the establishment of new municipal councils, urging political parties to show maturity and respect the people's will.

Any dissatisfaction should be expressed through prescribed channels, not through public disorder or violent protests. Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi confirmed that SAPS members' deployment would continue until councils are constituted, with continuous assessments conducted on the province's stability.