At least four people have been arrested during the special votes in North West. The 2024 special votes in North West started on Monday (27/5) at 1 698 voting stations. With 1 765 069 registered voters and 38 political parties contesting the elections, the stakes are high as 38 seats in the provincial legislature are up for grabs.

In a media briefing held on the same day, police assured the public that all necessary measures were in place to safeguard voters and residents during the election period.

#sapsEC Six suspects aged between 24 and 51 were arrested at Mavundleni locality, Qhingqolo A/A on Tuesday, 28 May, and in the early hours of today, 29/05 from 23h00 up to 03:00 on charges of contravention of the Electoral Act. They have been detained at Mqanduli police station… pic.twitter.com/CEm1AsEsWG

— SA Police Service ???? (@SAPoliceService) May 29, 2024

Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, highlighted while the voting process was generally smooth, there were some disruptions. In the Shaleng village Kgomotso officials encountered an issue where the gate of a voting station was welded shut, preventing access. Fortunately, there were no applications for special votes at this station, and the issue was promptly resolved, allowing voting to proceed normally.

Mokgwabone also mentioned an altercation in Pudumo between members of two political parties, leading to a police case. In another incident in Ikageng, a political party poster was defaced, resulting in arrests.

Those involved are expected to appear in court on Thursday (30/5). Additionally, a tent set up by the IEC was stolen late Monday, and the matter is under investigation.

One individual in Ikageng and three in Sehurutse were detained for breaking into a voting station and demanding the removal of an IEC presiding officer. Mokgwabone assured the public despite these incidents, the election process has largely proceeded without major issues.

“Almost all stations are open,” Mokgwabone said. “The only thing we want to request from voters is to please go to the voting stations on time. They must avoid arriving just an hour before closure. They must consider the risks associated with elections and the various modes of transport they might use.”

He emphasised normal policing continues alongside the election process, with crime prevention efforts remaining a priority.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg/mvh