Government implements measures to ensure a safe electoral process

The government, led by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, is taking steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

A collaborative effort has been unveiled in Pretoria, establishing a protocol between key agencies: the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This initiative aims to prioritise investigations into election-related crimes and urges citizens to remain vigilant, promptly reporting any such offences.

MINISTER MODISE: LAW ENFORCEMENT VIGILANT AGAINST ELECTORAL OFFENCES

During a media briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, Minister Modise emphasised the steadfast dedication of law enforcement agencies to investigate electoral fraud, corruption, vandalism of political materials, and coercion of voters.

Furthermore, Minister Modise issued a stern warning against the misuse of social media and electronic platforms to propagate threats, incite violence, or coerce others into criminal activities.

“When an individual creates a video or share a post to the public and where the post contains words, speech or conduct that may encourage others to commit public violence, the aforementioned post will make one guilty of the offence of inciting public violence and police will not hesitate to track the person down and hold you accountable,” she emphasised.

MINISTER MODISE URGES RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AMIDST POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Emphasising the importance of responsible leadership, Minister Modise called upon political and community leaders to exercise caution in their public statements.

“Do not make inflammatory or threatening statements as you will be breaking the law and may also encourage others to carry out criminal activities.”

In addition to bolstering security measures for the elections, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has activated provincial disaster management teams to preemptively identify and mitigate risks.

Minister Modise highlighted collaboration with the South African Weather Service to monitor conditions and issue early warnings if necessary.

“The NDMC is working closely with the South African Weather Service to monitor the situation, early warning messages will be issued when necessary.”