Police in Limpopo have identified five voting stations as medium risk ahead of the November 4 local government elections, with none classified as high risk.
Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Jan Petrus Scheepers said security measures had been put in place to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials before, during and after the elections.
Speaking at a provincial state of readiness briefing in Polokwane on Thursday, Scheepers said security operations would be guided by intelligence assessments and risk-based deployments.
Through the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints), police and other security partners are coordinating efforts to prevent election-related violence and respond swiftly to potential threats.
The security plan includes high-visibility policing, intelligence gathering, targeted law enforcement operations and investigations into electoral offences. The South African National Defence Force and State Security Agency are also supporting the operations.
Police will secure voting stations and election materials and act against intimidation, violence, vandalism and the unauthorised possession of dangerous weapons within voting-station perimeters.
Scheepers urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect differing political views and adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
He also warned against the spread of fake news, unverified information and inflammatory messages on social media, saying these could cause panic, incite violence and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) confirmed that Limpopo has 3,037,387 registered voters across five districts and 22 municipalities, comprising 568 municipal wards and 3,315 voting districts.
Provincial electoral officer Itumeleng Seanego said more than 99% of the required electoral personnel had been recruited and trained. All batches of ballot papers had been received and were undergoing quality assurance.
A total of 341,809 special votes have been approved, with special voting scheduled for November 2 and 3 ahead of the main election on November 4.
The department of home affairs will extend operating hours at its offices and mobile offices to help voters collect identity documents or obtain assistance if they have lost theirs.
Limpopo provincial traffic officers will also assist with escorting ballot papers and other election-related operations.
Scheepers said police officers had been instructed to carry out their duties professionally, impartially and within the law to ensure eligible voters could cast their ballots without fear, intimidation or harassment.
TimesLIVE
Mmatumelo Lebjane
www.timeslive.co.za
