By STAFF REPORTER

4 November 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has deployed its members across all five policing districts in the province to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure environment as the 2026 Local Government Elections get underway. Before deployment, the five District Commissioners of Frances Baard, Pixley ka Seme, ZF Mgcawu, Namakwa and John Taolo Gaetsewe Districts, conducted parades with their respective members, during which operational instructions and marching orders were issued.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who also chairs the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROV JOINTS) said the briefings were aimed at ensuring that police officers were adequately prepared, fully informed and strategically positioned to carry out their election-related responsibilities. Otola said the parades also reaffirmed SAPS members’ operational readiness, discipline and commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting voters, Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) personnel and election materials, as well as safeguarding voting stations and surrounding areas.

“The police officers have been deployed at identified voting stations and other strategic locations across the province to monitor the electoral process, conduct patrols, respond promptly to incidents and prevent intimidation, violence, disruptions or criminal activities that could threaten the integrity of the elections.

“In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders, the SAPS remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without fear, intimidation or interference,” she said.

Otola emphasised that a zero-tolerance approach would be adopted towards election-related offences, warning that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and ready to act decisively against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process or undermine the democratic rights of others. She further said the SAPS in the Northern Cape will continue monitoring developments throughout the province and provide updates on any significant incidents that may occur.

“The authority of the State will be asserted, and the safety and security of all inhabitants remain our priority,” said Otola.

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