Johannesburg – The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured South Africans that the necessary operational measures are in place to facilitate free, fair and safe Local Government Elections tomorrow, Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
“This evening, we return to provide an update on the progress made, account for incidents reported during the special voting period and reaffirm the operational readiness of law enforcement agencies and all relevant government departments to execute their responsibilities tomorrow on Election Day,” said NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Lieutenant General said coordination between NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS remains fully activated, with continuous monitoring of the security environment across all provinces, districts and municipalities.
“Our operational structures are positioned to respond to any eventuality that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process or the safety and security of voters, IEC officials, political party representatives and members of the public,” Lieutenant-General Mosikili said.
“We wish to strongly reiterate that tonight at Midnight (3 November 2026) marks the end of the official election campaigning period, in accordance with the electoral timetable.
“Therefore, from tomorrow, no campaigning will be permitted.
“There must be no political persuasion, solicitation, or intimidation of voters at or around voting stations.”
Lieutenant-General Mosikili said every eligible voter must be afforded the opportunity to exercise their democratic right freely, without undue influence, intimidation or interference from any political party or individual.
“Equally important is the prohibition of protests on Election Day,” she said.
“We wish to make it clear that any person found contravening Section 76 of the Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000, or any other applicable provision of the law, will be dealt with accordingly.
“Our intention as law enforcement agencies is not to prevent people from exercising their constitutional and democratic rights.
“On the contrary, our deployment is intended to create an environment in which every South African can safely access a voting station and cast their vote without fear, intimidation or disruption.”
However, Lieutenant-General Mosikili said the security environment during the two days of special voting recorded incidents that required the attention of law enforcement agencies.
“Of particular concern is the killing of a uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party regional leader in KwaZulu-Natal,” she said.
“We are confident that the investigating team will pursue available leads to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Political Killings Task Team is also seized with these matters and will provide the necessary investigative support.”
Lieutenant-General Mosikili said 21 case dockets were recorded since Monday, which include murder and other cases of theft involving banners, tents, removal of posters, arson, intimidation and other cases related to theft and defacing of election material.
“We further noted the unfortunate passing of an IEC presiding officer in Buhrmansdrift, in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District in North West,” Lieutenant-General Mosikili said.
“The circumstances surrounding this death is being investigated by the police to establish the cause.”
Lieutenant-General Mosikili added: “We wish to use this opportunity to call on all political parties, their leadership, members and supporters to exercise political tolerance and restraint”.
She said police and other law enforcement agencies will act decisively to ensure law and order; no excuses will be entertained when crime is committed.
“We have accordingly intensified our security measures in line with the approved operational plan, with particular attention to areas identified through intelligence assessments as requiring increased security interventions,” Lieutenant-General Mosikili said.
