Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata addresses SAPS members and IEC officials at Mthatha Central Police Station on Wednesday,
Eastern Cape police have been ordered to act decisively against any unlawful conduct during Wednesday’s Local Government Elections, with Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata warning that no political affiliation places anyone above the law.
Ncata issued the directive on Wednesday, November 4, while addressing scores of South African Police Service (SAPS) members and Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials at the Mthatha Central Police Station.
The briefing formed part of the province’s election-day security operations aimed at ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without intimidation, violence or disruption.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said Ncata had reinforced the importance of impartiality, professionalism and discipline among officers deployed to safeguard the elections.
Gantana said the provincial commissioner instructed members to carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour and to respond decisively to any unlawful activities.
"The Provincial Commissioner reiterated that the SAPS is not a player in these elections but the guarantor of the conditions under which democracy can take place," Gantana said.
She added that Ncata had emphasised that "no political affiliation places anyone above the law."
Police ordered to protect voters
According to Gantana, Ncata instructed officers to ensure that every eligible voter in the Eastern Cape could exercise their constitutional right to vote in a safe and secure environment.
The directive comes as South Africans head to polling stations across the country to elect municipal representatives.
Police have been deployed across the Eastern Cape to maintain public order, prevent electoral disruptions and protect the integrity of the voting process.
Aerial surveillance planned across three districts
Gantana confirmed that Ncata would also conduct aerial surveillance across the OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo and Joe Gqabi districts as part of the province's election-day operational plan.
The surveillance forms part of broader security measures aimed at monitoring the situation on the ground and supporting deployed officers.
Gantana said the SAPS remained fully deployed and operationally ready to protect the integrity of the ballot and maintain peace throughout the province.