Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has raised concerns over a spate of politically linked violence after four people were killed during the voter registration weekend, despite what authorities described as a largely peaceful electoral process across the country.
Addressing the media in Johannesburg on Monday alongside Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and senior security officials, Cachalia revealed that 12 criminal incidents were recorded nationally during the voter registration period.
The incidents included four murders, five cases involving contraventions of the Electoral Act, and three incidents of public violence. Six arrests have already been made in connection with assault, malicious damage to property and public violence cases.
Among the victims were two individuals linked to the MK Party in Gauteng, a Democratic Alliance ward candidate in the Western Cape, and an African National Congress ward councillor in the Eastern Cape.
“Political violence has no place in our constitutional democracy,” Cachalia said.
“An attack on political representatives or supporters, regardless of party affiliation, is an attack on the democratic rights of all South Africans.”
The Minister said police had mobilised the necessary resources to investigate the killings and bring those responsible to justice. Rewards have also been offered for information that could assist investigators.
Despite the incidents, Cachalia welcomed the peaceful participation of voters across the country, noting that there were no significant disruptions at registration stations.
The Minister used the briefing to issue a strong appeal to political parties, candidates and supporters ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
“Political contestation must never descend into violence. No disagreement, no campaign and no political objective can justify intimidation, assault or murder,” he said.
The briefing also focused on government’s readiness for the planned demonstrations against undocumented immigrants scheduled for 30 June.
Cachalia said the South African Police Service has elevated its operational readiness in all provinces, with deployment plans in place to protect communities, public spaces and critical infrastructure.
He stressed that while South Africans have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, authorities would act decisively against criminality, intimidation, violence and destruction of property.
“Our message is clear: everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated,” he said.
Government will engage premiers across all nine provinces this week as part of efforts to coordinate security plans and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of essential services.
Cachalia assured South Africans that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to respond to any threats to public safety.
“To those who may be contemplating acts of lawlessness, our message is equally clear: the full might of the law will be brought to bear against anyone who seeks to undermine the safety, security and constitutional order of our Republic,” he said.
