Top cop says SA is ready for elections

THE state is ready for the upcoming elections, says SAPS acting national commissioner Lieutenant-General Kgomotso Phahlane.

Speaking at a media briefing at SAPS Tshwane Academy yesterday, he said the electoral process was one of the important features of all democratic societies.

“The electoral process is the right that we as South Africans have fought long and hard for, and we deserve to exercise this hard-won right with pride and dignity,” he said.

Everyone had a responsibility to contribute towards the conducting of free, fair, safe and secure elections.

He said the SAPS mandate demanded police officials lead in a process of securing the elections and allowing South Africans to cast their democratic votes without fear of intimidation.

“Policing does not criminate, so anyone who misbehaves, irrespective of their political affiliation, will be dealt with accordingly,” Phahlane warned.

He urged South Africans to tolerate one another’s different political affiliations, and to abide by the country’s laws at all times.

“The SAPS will uncompromising in dis-

through

be the enforcement of the relevant acts and under no circumstances will we allow the carrying of prohibited or dangerous weapons by any member of the public,” Phahlane added.

They had identified a number of hot spots and potentially volatile areas that would be monitored on a continuous basis. He would not however disclose these for security reasons.

“These areas will be targeted through intensified operations, informed by thorough analysis

will be targeted intensified operations informed by thorough analysis

and intelligence-based deployments,” Phahlane said.

They would also not allow a situation where the public was threatened by a few individuals.

“We are in the process of policing political gatherings for all political parties to ensure all political parties are safe during their campaigns,” he added.

The police were not concerned about their capacity to police the 22 612 voting stations countrywide, and he assured all South Africans the elections would take place in a free, fair, safe and secure environment.

“SAPS would also work hand in hand with other law-enforcement agencies in the country, and key role players from respective safety and security structures,” Phahlane said.

‘These areas