By Kaya News Reporter
Ten thousand soldiers will be deployed to ensure voter safety on November 1.
According to SA National Defence Force spokesperson, Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi, soldiers will be deployed from Saturday until Wednesday. Officers will be given the same duties as police.
“As informed by the prevailing or anticipated security situation, the SANDF in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies is tasked with the protection of National Key Points, strategic and critical infrastructure of national importance, strategic routes, Independent Electoral Commission voting material storage warehouses and transportation of voting materials to inaccessible areas by our air assets,” says Mgobozi.
Ministers of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster briefed Cabinet on the readiness for the elections last week.
“We can confidently declare that all safety and security measures have been put in place to create a conducive environment for free and fair elections,” the Cluster says.
Security Plan
NATJOINTS has put together an election security plan. This plan ensures that there is sufficient police visibility in and around voting stations. The aim is to prevent crime and/or intimidation of voters and other role-players.
“All relevant security-aligned departments within the three spheres of government have worked tirelessly, in a continuous and coordinated manner, to ensure the successful delivery of the LGE. As a cluster, we want to assure the public that all areas will be accessible for all citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” the Cluster says.
Police will be deployed at provincial results centres to ensure the integrity of the results.
In a letter to Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the deployment is expected to cost around R47 249 000.
Also Read: President Ramaphosa declares 1 November, Election Day public holiday
