The voter registration weekend concluded successfully in North West and Free State provinces, with law enforcement reporting four election-related arrests in North West and no major security incidents in the Free State.

The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) in North West arrested four individuals during the weekend. Three people – two suspects aged 38 and 48, and a 16-year-old minor – were arrested in the Klipgat informal settlement near Klerksdorp on Saturday 20 June for public violence after they allegedly attempted to prevent a voting station from opening.

In a separate incident in Wolmaransstad on the same day, a 35-year-old suspect was arrested after allegedly threatening an Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) official and ordering the official to close and leave the voting station. The suspect was charged with intimidation in terms of the Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998.

All four suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

No crime-related incidents were reported in North West on Sunday 21 June, although persistent rainfall posed accessibility challenges to some voting stations.

In the Free State, the voter registration weekend was conducted without any major security incidents. The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that communities throughout the province conducted themselves with discipline and dignity.

Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, the acting provincial commissioner of North West, said the successful conclusion of the voter registration weekend demonstrated the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies, government stakeholders and communities.

“As we approach the March to March period, we remain committed to sustaining the momentum achieved through our collective efforts. The continued cooperation and vigilance of communities, together with the dedication of all role players, are critical in maintaining stability, combating crime and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents of the North West Province,” Naidoo said.

Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, the provincial commissioner of the Free State, thanked community members, political parties, electoral officials, community structures and stakeholders who played a role in ensuring a peaceful environment at voter registration stations.

“We are grateful to the people of the Free State for their exemplary behaviour and cooperation throughout the registration weekend. Their commitment to peaceful participation in the democratic process made our task much easier and contributed to the overall success of the operation,” Lesia said.

As the provinces approach the March to March movement period, PROVJOINTS – comprising SAPS and other government departments – will remain on high alert to continue creating a safe and secure environment for all residents. High-visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, public order policing deployments and rapid-response capabilities remain in place to address any incidents that may arise.

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