SAPS on standby for election trouble
All hands are on deck to ensure a smooth and fair election.
The Brakpan SAPS and various stakeholders, including security companies, the CPF, EMPD and other entities, held an election preparedness meeting last Wednesday.
The Brakpan SAPS Vispol support head, Lieutenant Colonel Pearl van Staad, spoke about the plans to ensure a safe, secure and fair election and brief training on the proper protocols around them.
Brakpan has 16 voting stations, which will open at 07:00 and close at 21:00. However, the police’s response and operations will continue until June 10 to curb crime, election fraud, protests, attempted interference and other related incidents.
High-risk voting stations have more officers assigned to monitor them, but police officers, the EMPD and other entities will monitor all the stations.
“We are monitoring possible threats and anticipate protests and threats made by interest groups,” Van Staad explained.
“That is not to say voting is dangerous. Nothing will likely happen, but we are prepared in case it does,’ clarified station commander Brigadier Fredl Jonck.
Shared with the stakeholders was other information of note, including the weather expectations, rules and access predictions.
According to historical data, there should be no rain on Wednesday, but the weather might be cold in the morning and evening.
Voters are prohibited from carrying a firearm in or near the voting stations to ensure no intimidation, disorder or interference with the elections.
Also important to note is that some stations might not be accessible to those who use mobility aids such as walkers, canes or wheelchairs, and eligible voters should ensure the station where they are registered to vote is accessible to them.
ALSO READ: Stamsel terapie bring hoop vir Dianne
ALSO READ: Residents speak on the elections and why they will vote
