Johannesburg – At least 300 more police officers have been deployed to KwaZulu-Natal to maintain stability after the hotly contested elections.
SA Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced Tuesday that he has deployed additional Public Order Policing (POP) members to KZN.
This was the third deployment of additional police officers to KZN covering the elections phase – before, during, and after.
The first group of more than 200 members was deployed early in May while the second contingency of over 300 were deployed during the election period.
The latest deployment of more than 300 POP members is meant to bolster policing operations in the post-election phase.
These members will also be deployed to the Tongaat area to assist with ensuring the safety and security of those who are affected by Monday’s tornado that swept through the area and left at least 11 people dead.
Seven of the deceased resided in Tongaat, while the others lived in Nquthu, Eshowe, and KwaHlabisa.
Speaking during a send-off parade of the more than 300 police officers, General Masemola said the continuous deployments in some areas were part of the police operational strategy to maintain stability throughout the country.
“We have delivered the 2024 NPE [National and Provincial Elections] elections in a stable environment,” said Gen Masemola.
“Voters were able to exercise their democratic rights without fear or favour… we will continue to respond accordingly to prevent and combat criminality.
“We thank voters and communities for thus far conducting themselves in an orderly and responsible manner. We hope this will prevail.
“Those who step out of line will be dealt with.”
The deployment of POP members supports the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) safety and security 2024 NPE plan.
The co-chair of the NATJOINTS, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili was present at the sending-off parade.
Lieutenant General Mosikili thanked police officers on parade for ensuring elections took place in a safe, secure, and peaceful environment.
