21 election-related cases recorded ahead of Wednesday's elections

21 election-related cases recorded ahead of Wednesday's elections Nokuthula Khanyile Wed, 11/04/2026 - 06:00

JOHANNESBURG - Police have recorded 21 election-related criminal cases since Monday as South Africans prepare to vote in Wednesday's local government elections.

The cases include a suspected politically motivated murder, theft, intimidation, vandalism and the destruction of electoral materials.

Police say some incidents involve the theft of campaign banners and tents, the removal of posters and the defacing of election-related materials.

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Speaking on the matter, Natjoints co-chairperson Tebello Mosikili said six of the 21 registered cases had resulted in arrests, while five cases had already been processed and referred to court.

"Twenty-one cases were recorded from Monday to date, which include a murder and other cases of theft, including banners, tents, removal of posters, intimidation and other cases related to theft and defacing of electoral materials, amongst others. Five of these cases have been processed to court. Out of 21 registered cases, six dockets had arrests,” she said.

Authorities say they continue to monitor election-related incidents, including intimidation, vandalism and violence, as voting gets underway.

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