Gauteng legislature committee approves safety plans for elections

The Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed confidence in the ability of the province’s law enforcement agencies to effectively manage any threats to the election process.

The committee has approved the safety and security plans designed to ensure a safe and secure environment during the National and Provincial Elections scheduled for 29 May 2024.

The plans were presented by the provincial Department of Community Safety and the Provincial Police Commissioner. 

Committee chairperson Bandile Masuku said given the 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, Masuku said both the Department of Community Safety and Provincial Police Commissioner outlined their comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of voters and the smooth operation of the election process.

Masuku said 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.

WATCH | Briefing on plans to ensure safe and secure elections 

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni also detailed how the South African Police Service (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.

“The goal is to create a secure environment where voters can exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation. 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,” Masuku said. 

READ | Delivering free and fair elections

The committee also issued a warning to anyone who might consider disrupting the elections.

“Law enforcement will be on high alert and any criminal activities related to election disruptions will be dealt with firmly and legally,” Masuku said.

The committee encouraged all registered voters in Gauteng to turn out in large numbers to exercise the hard-earned constitutional right to vote for the political party of their choice. – SAnews.gov.za