Johannesburg – Voting in Wednesday’s general elections was “safe and secure” in the North West, provincial police said.
“Since voting began this morning voters in the province have gone to the polls in a safe and secure environment ensured by the dedicated joint security forces,” police spokesperson Thulani Ngubane said.

This also applied to areas previously identified as “hot spots”.

He said there had been media reports about people being told not to vote in Bloemhof, which created “unnecessary panic” among voters.

Earlier, Business Day Live reported that the number of police deployed in Bloemhof created an impression that violence could break out there. Recent protests in the area led police to identify Bloemhof as a potential risk for the elections and police presence was beefed up there.

Ngubane assured Bloemhof voters that they should feel free to visit their voting stations.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo reiterated the police’s commitment to protect citizens’ democratic right to vote.

“If any person feels intimidated the matter should be urgently brought to the attention of our security forces.”

Ngubane urged the public to respect the rule of law once vote-counting began.

Security forces would continue to monitor the situation in various areas throughout Wednesday night.

He appealed to the public to respect IEC officials.

– SAPA