Defense Minister Thandi Modise. (Photo by Michal Fludra/NurPhoto, Getty Images)
With only 30 days left until South Africans head to the polls, the government is taking steps to protect all public buildings, national strategic locations and other critical infrastructure that could be targeted by criminal elements.
This comes as Defense Minister Thandi Modise outlined preparations for the May 29 general elections at a press conference organized by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster.
He said anyone found guilty of damaging critical infrastructure could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison if convicted. “The government would like to give a stern warning that law enforcement officers will deal decisively with anyone who attempts to interfere with the election and will imprison them.”
No one has the right to threaten or prevent another person from exercising their constitutional right to vote for the party of their choice. “We want to assure the public that the JCPS cluster is ready to carry out its mission to protect the public, our nation's strategic facilities, and infrastructure during the election period. We will do everything we can to protect everyone who wants to exercise their constitutional right to vote.”
Mr Modise said the general election was expected to be the most competitive in the country's history. Overall, 70 political parties are participating in the election, with his 11 being independent candidates and his 52 national candidates. In total, more than 14,903 candidates are vying for 887 seats in the national and regional parliaments.
“Ensuring the safety and security of all voters and officials is paramount,” she said.
The JCPS cluster's approach is to ensure intelligence-led, coordinated planning and operations before, during and after elections, where multi-sectoral teams work together to ensure that all South Africans are free from threats and threats. Ensure that constitutional rights can be exercised without fear of violence. she said.
Modise said this coordination is being managed by the National and Local Joint (Joint Operations and Intelligence) structure of the JCPS cluster and the Independent Electoral Commission, adding that last year, for security reasons, both national and local levels He added that an interdepartmental priority committee has been set up. and security planning.
“Our law enforcement agencies are leading the development of a national security plan, which has been approved by the Ministers of the JCPS cluster. Nut Joint [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] We perform thorough threat and crime pattern analysis to inform security planning and want to ensure nothing is left to chance. ”
Modise said NutJoints uses threat and crime pattern analysis to develop fit-for-purpose deployment plans to address potential threats of crime and violence in and around polling stations and national and local results centres. He said he recommended it.
“We are also taking steps to protect all public facilities used for voting, strategic points of state, and other critical infrastructure that may be targeted by criminal elements.”
The Criminal Law Reform Act states that anyone who tampers with or damages critical infrastructure commits a criminal offense and can be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison if found guilty. .
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) Department and SAPS management conducted several on-site roadshows in all provinces and met with all police station chiefs and district commissioners to ensure safety and security. assessed readiness and preparedness.
She said the SAPS management and the Ministry were satisfied with the level of preparedness of all provinces and districts providing police services before, during and after elections.
Elections will be policed according to relevant regulations and laws, and police officers will enforce the laws accordingly. Modise added that security plans are constantly reviewed as the situation changes and will adapt as necessary.
“As the leaders of the JCPS cluster, we want to send a clear message to the public that incitement to violence, lawlessness, destruction of infrastructure and road barricades will not be tolerated,” the minister said, adding that those who take part in any acts I warned whoever it was. The form of the criminal act will be dealt with.
The political rights of the people are guaranteed and Modise said the Japanese Communist Party will ensure that all rights enshrined in the constitution are not violated. These rights include the right to freedom, security, and protection from all forms of violence from public or private causes.
“While the Constitution allows all citizens to participate in protests, picketing, and filing petitions, those who participate in these activities must do so peacefully and those who do not wish to participate “The rights of people must not be violated,” the minister added.
She said those found violating these important provisions of the Constitution at this critical juncture will be vested with the full powers of the state.