Elections 2026 | Eastern Cape police boost deployments

Elections 2026 | Eastern Cape police boost deployments Estelle.Bronkhorst Tue, 11/03/2026 - 09:30

GQEBERHA - Authorities are leaving nothing to chance as South Africa prepares for Wednesday's Local Government Elections.

With concerns over possible criminal activity and election-related violence, Eastern Cape police are stepping up deployments, particularly in identified hotspot areas.

The aim is to ensure voters can cast their ballots safely and without intimidation.

**READ: **Elections 2026 | Police urged to focus on hotspots

Police have warned that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process will not be tolerated.

Provincial Police Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata says that while more than 850 officers from Nelson Mandela Bay will be deployed to OR Tambo District, the metro will not be left without adequate policing.

**READ: **Elections 2026 | President Ramaphosa calls for peaceful polls

Police have identified three voting stations in OR Tambo District as among the country's high-risk areas for possible election-related violence.

With additional officers on the ground, police say they are determined to ensure a safe and peaceful voting process.

• eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.