More SAPS deployed for election week

Additional police manpower deployed across King Cetshwayo District for Local Government Elections

7 hours ago

Conelia Harry 1 minute read

Additional police manpower deployed across the district for Local Government Elections

Security will be increased at the 553 voting stations across the King Cetshwayo District ahead of this week’s local government elections.

Police spokesperson for King Cetshwayo District SAPS Cluster, Siyanda Shangase, confirmed the provincial SAPS had released additional officers to the region to support local members.

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Police have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to crime committed at, near or within voting stations, as well as offences that could undermine the electoral process.

“The Electoral Act makes provision for the prosecution of individuals who engage in certain conduct that could compromise the freeness and fairness of the voting process.

“Contraventions of the Electoral Code of Conduct can carry a fine or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

“Undue influence aimed at persuading someone to register or not register as a voter, or to vote or not vote for a particular party or candidate, carries a penalty of a fine or up to five years’ imprisonment.

“Registering to vote in another person’s name, whether that person is living, deceased or fictitious, also carries a fine or up to five years’ imprisonment. The same penalty applies to anyone who casts more votes than they are legally entitled to.”

With additional police manpower deployed across the district, Shangase has also urged residents to make personal safety part of their voting-day preparations.

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