South Africa: SAPS Ready to Ensure Safe Elections

What the report says

South Africa’s police service says it is prepared to secure the country’s 2026 local government elections and keep the vote peaceful. According to the SAnews.gov.za report carried by AllAfrica, National Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Fannie Masemola made the remarks on Friday in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, after the final round of provincial readiness assessments.

He said planning had been underway for months and included risk assessments, simulations, resource mobilisation and operational coordination. The police identified 331 voting stations as high risk nationwide, with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng accounting for the largest share. The assessment process is being used to guide deployments, visibility and targeted interventions in areas considered vulnerable.

Masemola also said police would not tolerate political violence, intimidation or attacks linked to the campaign period. He warned that killings and assaults involving party supporters, members and ward candidates have no place in a democracy. He also addressed a court application related to marches and demonstrations in KwaZulu-Natal, saying it is meant to ensure lawful protest rather than ban peaceful gatherings.

The SAPS said election security will involve support from the South African National Defence Force, metro police, the State Security Agency and private security partners. Specialized units, aerial support and officers stationed at voting sites are among the measures planned as special voting begins and the main election period approaches.