Defense and Veterans Affairs Minister Thandi Modise said an election-related crime task team had been set up to deal with all forms of crime ahead of the May 29 general election.
Mr Modise was speaking at the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday. She was accompanied by Police Minister Bheki Cele, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor and Presidential Minister Khumbudzo Nshaveni.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster says all measures have been taken and preparations are in place for next month's elections. The Secretary of Defense and Veterans Affairs said he will work with all stakeholders to ensure all election-related crimes are dealt with in real time.
“A protocol has been established between the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, SAPS and the NPA. All crimes related to elections will be given priority. Prosecutors will be on standby to prosecute crimes such as electoral fraud and corruption. Political parties and Delete or deface election activities; Obstruct election officials in their duties or force them to cast unwanted votes.”
murder of parliamentarian
Recently, two MPs were killed in Mpumalanga and the North West. Police Minister Bheki Cele said the task team to combat political killings has been strengthened and is making progress.
“A special team has been set up to deal with it. I think in Mpumalanga we have made progress in tracking down the people who killed the MP. We will work with the community to prevent something like this from happening. We are working hard for this.”
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said all staff across the country would be open on polling day to assist people who need emergency identification.
“On voting day, all Home Office offices will be open as long as polling stations are open. Anyone who may have lost their ID should go to the Home Office to receive a temporary ID. It becomes difficult.”
Voting overseas
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor said the full scheme would apply to South Africans voting abroad. All that remains, she says, is the outcome of an appeal against a state court ruling allowing South Africans abroad to vote in honorary consular elections.
“Overseas voting arrangements are proceeding as normal. The only challenge at the moment is getting the appeals of the court decisions against the honorary consul dealt with. As you know, the honorary consul is required to represent South Africa. I am a commissioned individual.”
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster explained to the media:
