Pretoria – The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has implemented comprehensive security plans to ensure a safe and peaceful voter registration weekend across South Africa.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with government departments within Natjoints, has mobilised to support the Electoral Commission (IEC) in creating an environment where eligible citizens can register to vote freely and without fear.

Extensive deployments planned

Extensive deployments have been planned nationwide, with members assigned to voter registration stations, strategic routes and identified hotspots.

Operational plans include high-visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, Public Order Policing deployments and rapid response capabilities to address any incidents.

Contingency plans in place

Natjoints has activated contingency plans to respond swiftly to security-related incidents that may threaten the voter registration process.

SAPS will maintain a heightened operational presence and continuously monitor the security environment to ensure the safety of all participants.

While the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful and lawful protest, authorities warned that no individual or group will be permitted to disrupt voter registration activities, intimidate members of the public or interfere with registration stations.

Public disorder and criminality will be dealt with

Acts of violence, intimidation, public disorder, malicious damage to property, road blockades or interference with critical infrastructure will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law, Natjoints said.

The organisation called on all South Africans to conduct themselves responsibly and contribute towards a peaceful voter registration weekend.

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