The South African Police Service (SAPS) is set to intensify its operations and assess police readiness ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November.
The announcement follows the fatal shooting of four African National Congress (ANC) Youth League members in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday night. Several other people were injured in the incident, while the alleged suspect later surrendered to authorities.
Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo was among the officials who visited the area following the shooting. She assured the public that investigations were under way to establish the motive behind the attack.
“We cannot at this stage link this to politics. We have escalated this case to the Political Killings Task Team in Gauteng to assist,” Boshielo said.
She added that the SAPS Ministry had developed a plan to assess police preparedness across the country ahead of the elections.
“I know I am going to Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape to evaluate the preparedness of our police. With less than 25 days left to the local elections, the Acting Minister will also go to other provinces,” she said.
Boshielo said the initiative was particularly important given the potential for tensions and violence during the election period.
She urged political candidates and party leaders to engage peacefully and avoid actions that could lead to violence, loss of life or disruptions to the electoral process.
The planned assessments are intended to strengthen police readiness as the country approaches the polls, amid calls for political stakeholders to ensure that election campaigning takes place peacefully.
