Cele ‘satisfied’ with police preparations ahead of polls
Police Minister Bheki Cele believes the country’s law enforcement is ready to ensure a peaceful local government elections on Monday.
Cele visited the Pienaar area in Mpumalanga on Saturday to assess the safety measures put in place in the province.
The area was identified as a hot spot after violence engulfed earlier this week.
Cele said four provinces were initially on the police’s radar.
“There are four provinces that have been giving us problems, but Mpumalanga was not part of them. It has been KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape, but all of a sudden Mpumalanga has joined and we are working on that.
“We have sent extra forces here but also the province has given extra resources to work on the matter.
“KwaZulu-Natal, especially eThekwini going to the north of the province people raised issues there. Cape Town we have always had extra forces and we have sent extra more, so we believe the situation is stable if there is any form of disturbance it will be very minimal and we are so much ready to respond.”
Cele believes there will be more than enough capacity to respond to issues that might arise.
“I’m confident that police will ensure law and order, while SANDF troops assist in guarding key infrastructure and other key points, not only in Mpumalanga, but across the country.
“This means the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies on the ground will be at hand to ensure that no one is obstructed or intimidated while trying to access a voting station and that there is safety during these elections.”
