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Police minister meets IEC as election tensions rise

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia met Electoral Commission commissioners in Midrand on Tuesday to discuss special voting and security plans. Police have made arrests over election-related incidents, and the commission said it is taking legal action over intimidation and damage to election materials.

The meeting took place at the IEC's National Results Operations Centre in Midrand, a day before the Local Government Elections on Wednesday. Cachalia and the commissioners discussed progress with special voting and operational arrangements. Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo and Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel are also named among those involved.

IEC spokesperson Mamabolo said at a media briefing that the commission had noted a sharp increase in prohibited conduct and clear criminal behaviour by some party supporters and candidates. The IEC said it is taking legal action against the people and parties involved in intimidation, disruption and damage to election materials.

Law enforcement said it will not tolerate lawlessness or any conduct that threatens the integrity of the electoral process. The Police Ministry said every effort is being made to support free, fair and peaceful elections. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) coordinates election security.

Key facts

Who
Firoz Cachalia (Acting Minister of Police); Polly Boshielo (Deputy Minister of Police); Andries Nel (Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development); Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (Electoral body that runs the 2026 Local Government Elections)
What
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia met IEC commissioners on special voting progress and operational arrangements ahead of Wednesday's Local Government Elections. Police have made arrests over reported election-related incidents, and the IEC condemned intimidation, disruption and damage to election materials and said it is taking legal action.
When
3 November 2026
Where
Midrand
Status
Reported

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