The National Joint Operational Intelligence Agency deployed additional forces amid ongoing social media activity against the election results (File photo: Jaco Marais/Getty Images)
In response to concerns about post-election violence, a second group of more than 300 Policing Forces (PoP) personnel was deployed to KwaZulu-Natal to strengthen security in the province.
The Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party is contesting the results despite winning 45% of the vote in the province, and its leader Jacob Zuma warned on Saturday there would be “problems” if the results were announced.
The party has threatened to sue along with 25 other parties over allegations of vote-rigging by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), sparking fears in KwaZulu-Natal that the July 2021 violence could be repeated.
On Tuesday, the National Joint Operational Intelligence Organisation made further deployments as social media protests over the results continued.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Aslenda Mathe said the additional police forces were to “strengthen policing in the post-election phase.”
She said troops deployed before the election would remain in place and that “activities related to the election results” would be monitored by law enforcement.
“Law enforcement is prepared for any new cases,” Maté said.
National police commissioner Fanny Masemola said the elections were peaceful and voters were free to make their choice, adding that “we will continue to take action to prevent and eradicate crime.”
“I thank my constituents and the community for behaving in an orderly and responsible manner so far and I hope that this will come to fruition. Those who break the rules will be punished,” he said.
The deployment of the PoPs came a day after Zulu King MissZulu ka Zwelithini thanked political parties for their peaceful conduct and called for the results to be accepted, saying the elections were free and fair.
In a statement issued by traditional premier Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the monarch called on izinduna cantonments in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng to remain “vigilant” and report any incitement to violence or disorder to security forces.
Miszur urged security forces to “deal firmly with” anyone seeking to cause “instability and unrest” after the results are announced.
“His Majesty the King is confident that all political leaders will respect the outcome of the elections and commit to playing their role in promoting peace, development and stability,” Buthelezi said.
Outgoing ANC councillor Vusi Dube, who is also the bishop of eThekwini Community Church, said he and other religious leaders were meeting to consider ways to prevent relations between MK and ANC supporters from escalating into violence.
