Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating alleged death threats against Electoral Commission (IEC) officials in the province who’ve been warned not to open voting stations on Wednesday.
This was announced by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster during a media briefing in Durban. Affected voting stations are in three municipalities.
It’s believed the threats have been made through phone calls and text messages.
Mxolisi Kaunda, Community Safety and Liaison, says that they are disgusted by the threats.
“We wish to express our utter disgust at the attacks and harassment directed at IEC staff members. We have received a report that the IEC staff has been threatened in Alfred Duma Municipality, Umkhanyakude and Zululand. We must work towards ensuring that IEC staff is protected and safe to do their work of delivering credible elections.”
Kaunda has promised that security will be posted at all 4 884 voting stations in the province to ensure the safety of the 5.5 million registered voters.
“The majority of the personnel deployed are members of the South African Police Services who have been deployed to all voting stations in the province. Other specialised teams will be placed on standby to assist with the reinforcement if needed.”
The police have also received information that truck drivers plan to blockade the N2 and N3. They’ve warned that they’ll act against anyone who broke the law and prevented citizens from voting.
