17 000 policemen deployed to protect voters

A TOTAL of 17 000 police officers will be deployed through the province tomorrow as millions of South Africans head to the polls. Speaking this morning at a press briefing, the top brass of the KZN police force told more than 1000 officers and media who gathered that they were ready for election day come Wednesday, 7 May.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said their aim was to ensure that voting day went off smoothly.
“Certain areas have been known as hot spots during elections and it is our duty to ensure our officers make sure residents have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and to do so safely,” Lieutenant General Ngobeni said.

“Our officers will only be withdrawn from these areas after the elections. Other SAPS admin offices will also run with limited support as these officers will also be deployed to safeguard voters,” Lieutenant General Ngobeni said.

The provincial electoral officer for KZN, Mawethu Mosery, said officers need to take in consideration the laws of the Electoral Act.
“I ask you to make sure there is no political activity at voting stations you are going to be deployed to. These include marches, protests, rallies, political parties sending messages using loud speakers near voting stations and so on.

“Political parties are allowed to have tents and tables outside voting stations though,” Mosery said.
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu said, “Today you are to be deployed to various voting stations to secure our national and provincial elections. You protect our democracy and people’s right to vote. You also protect their right to vote freely for who they want.”