rki.news | Source: Xinhua
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) – South Africa has placed security forces on high alert as local government elections take place nationwide amid heightened social tensions and concerns over election-related incidents.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said nationwide security measures had been activated, with personnel deployed to protect voters and safeguard the electoral process.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, co-chairperson of NATJOINTS, said 21 cases, including murder, theft of election materials, arson and intimidation, were recorded during the two-day special voting period. Six suspects were arrested and five cases brought before the courts.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with approximately 29.2 million registered voters eligible to participate across 23,696 voting stations.
During the special voting period, 1,425,942 voters cast their ballots.
The South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force and other agencies are supporting security operations across all nine provinces.
The elections will determine municipal council membership and influence the delivery of essential services, including water, electricity, sanitation and waste management. Johannesburg remains a key electoral battleground amid concerns over infrastructure and service delivery.
South Africa Deploys Security Forces for Local Elections
