Two election-related incidents reported in Western Cape, four arrested - IOL

Western Cape Police were out in force to secure a safe election for South Africans.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape confirmed that two incidents took place on Wednesday during the local government elections, but did not disrupt the day’s proceedings. 

The Western Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut, confirmed that only two election-related incidents took place across the province. 

The first incident took place in Mitchells Plain in Cape Town. 

“In Mitchells Plain, an incident involving a licensed firearm was reported at Portlands High School voting station. The matter was resolved without incident after police verified the individual’s firearm licence and informed him that firearms are not permitted at voting stations. He complied, and voting continued without disruption,” Traut said.  

In the second incident, four people were arrested in Hanover Park in Cape Town. 

“In Hanover Park, four suspects aged between 16 and 20 were arrested following an incident of public violence and an attack on police officers near the Hanover Park Civic Centre voting station. One police officer sustained a minor injury during the incident. Public Order Police responded and restored order. No community members were injured,” Traut said. 

He said neither incident disrupted the electoral process and voting continued uninterrupted. 

Police said that apart from these incidents, no other significant election-related incidents were reported across the province. 

“This is attributed to the effective operational plan implemented by dedicated SAPS members and their integrated law enforcement partners, who maintained a visible presence to safeguard voters and uphold law and order,” Traut said. 

Police management said the SAPS remained committed to ensuring that all voters could exercise their democratic rights in a safe and secure environment.