The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has approved the safety and security plans presented by the Provincial Department of Community Safety and the Provincial Police Commissioner. These plans are designed to ensure a safe and secure environment during the National and Provincial Elections scheduled for 29 May 2024.
Given the high crime rate in Gauteng, which is South Africa’s largest voting province, the Committee had expressed concerns about the impact this might have on the upcoming elections. To address these concerns, both the Department of Community Safety and the Provincial Police Commissioner outlined their comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of voters and the smooth operation of the election process.
The Department of Community Safety shared its approach to managing traffic, ensuring road safety, facilitating the free flow of traffic, escorting ballot papers, increasing police visibility, and preventing crime. The goal is to create a secure environment where voters can exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation.
The Provincial Police Commissioner detailed how SAPS, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, plans to maintain public order during the election period through crime prevention, combatting and investigation, and other security measures.
Following these presentations, the Committee expressed confidence in the ability of the law enforcement agencies in Gauteng to effectively manage any threats to the election process.
The Committee also issued a warning to anyone who might consider disrupting the elections, stating that law enforcement will be on high alert and that any criminal activities related to election disruptions will be dealt with firmly and legally.
The Committee encourages all registered voters in Gauteng to turn out in large numbers to exercise their hard-earned constitutional right to vote for the political party of their choice.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE BANDILE MASUKU
