Law enforcement authorities have placed KwaZulu-Natal, where no political party is expected to win an outright majority, on high alert for post-election violence by disgruntled members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
It also follows an earlier Constitutional Court judgment that ruled that former president Jacob Zuma is ineligible to run for parliament in the general election due to his 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021. The Electoral Act bars anyone who has served prison time for more than 12 months from standing as an MP. Zuma, however, remains as the MK party’s representative on the election ballots.
Zuma’s jailing in 2021 triggered riots in his province of KwaZulu-Natal and the economic hub of Gauteng in which more than 300 people died. Protesters blocked the N2 and N3 freeways and shops, warehouses, factories, pharmacies, haulage trucks and malls were stripped bare and set alight.
In an internal memorandum to KwaZulu-Natal SA Police Services (SAPS) branches, deputy provincial commissioner for policing Maj-Gen Phumelele Makhoba says protest action is expected across the province between May and June.
The memorandum, dated May 22 and which Business Day has seen, notes that MK members had voiced intentions to spark protest in the event that Zuma is barred from contesting elections.
“Further information indicates that the risk for Intimidation, malicious damage to property, arson, barricading of roads, looting, hijacking of trucks as well as clashes between members/supporters of the MK party, opposing political parties and with authorities is high, should demonstrations take place,” the memorandum reads.
Areas placed on high alert for violence include Durban Central, Pietermaritzburg, Estcourt, Richards Bay and Ladysmith.
KwaZulu-Natal law enforcement authorities have deployed 17,000 police and other security personnel across all voting districts to prevent violence during and after the elections.
This includes 632 voting stations identified as high risk.
KwaZulu-Natal has been a hive of activity in the run-up to the elections, with the ANC, EFF and IFP holding manifesto rallies in the province between February and March.
The emergence of the MK party, led by Zuma, has added another element to voting.
Deputy national commissioner for policing and special operations, Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili said the police had measures in place to respond accordingly should MK members take to the streets.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) has denied allegations by the MK party members of irregularities in securing the voting material delivered at a library in Hammarsdale west of Durban.
“We wish to clarify that the videos depict our planned logistical arrangements and storage of election materials as we prepare for the first day of special voting on 27 May 2024. These are legitimate and authorised arrangements for the distribution of ballot papers and other bulk material.
“The planned security measures were that the trucks distributing ballot papers are escorted by SAPS to the local storage site. These storage sites will then be guarded on a 24-hours basis. This arrangement would ensure that the storage sites are protected against unauthorised entry, burglary, and tempering with election materials and ensure detailed control and recording of all items in storage,” the commission said in a statement.
The commission has also ordered members of the MK party to “immediately leave” the warehouse to allow for the finalisation of distribution of election material.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.