By REGINALD KANYANE
22 June 2026 – Three suspects aged 38, 48 and 16 were arrested for public violence. This comes after they allegedly attempted to prevent a voting station from opening.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Myburgh said the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) has commended all role players and community members for their diligence and cooperation during day one of the voter registration weekend in the North West.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS), working closely with other government departments represented within PROVJOINTS, remains fully mobilised and continues to support the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in creating a safe and secure environment.
“This enables community members to exercise their democratic right to register to vote freely and without fear or intimidation. Only one election-related incident was reported in the Klipgat Informal Settlement, near Klerkskraal, where police arrested two suspects, as well as a minor,” she said.
Myburgh further said high-visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, public order policing deployments and rapid response capabilities remain in place and continue to address any incidents that may arise.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, warned that any acts of violence, intimidation, public disorder, malicious damage to property, road blockades, or interference with critical infrastructure will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law. Naidoo added that day one of the voter registration weekend in the province proceeded without any major or significant security breaches.
“We attribute this success to the effective command and management structures, as well as the commitment, dedication and support of all PROVJOINTS departments, the IEC, communities, and civil society across the province,” he said.
The Guardian 