President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed Parliament that more than 2,800 soldiers will be deployed during the election period in collaboration with police.
South Africans go to the polls in the general election on Wednesday.
Polls open at 7am and close at 9pm.
Soldiers assist police in preventing and combating crime and maintaining law and order.
A warning against protests
Police Minister Bheki Cele has warned South Africans not to hold protests that disrupt the delivery of public services as elections approach.
Cele said police had identified several hotspots.
“In other provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Estonia and Mpumalanga, there are concerns about movement and that is something we need to consider next. We have over 17,000 SAPS so we have the capacity and we believe we will be OK. Our instructions to the police are not to negotiate but to enforce and follow the law. Whoever breaks the law, we must deal tough and enforce the law against that person.”
“Please be on your guard.”
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Si Mamabolo urged South Africans to be vigilant, as she expressed concern over incidents of illegality, including disruption of IEC activities on election day.
“The Commission welcomes and encourages vigilance by candidates and observers during the electoral process. However, such vigilance must be carried out within the bounds of the law. Interference with the ongoing electoral programme, logistical processes or even intimidation of election staff does not justify vigilance. Furthermore, we welcome any intervention by law enforcement agencies. Two people have been arrested and two cases are being investigated by SAPS for interference with electoral materials and processes.”
