NATJOINTS ready to make more arrests as 21 cases opened, 6 already arrested ahead of elections

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has warned it is ready to make more arrests to protect the integrity of the 2026 Local Government Elections, after 21 criminal cases were opened and six suspects arrested in the run-up to voting day.

Briefing the media on Tuesday evening ahead of Wednesday's elections, NATJOINTS co-chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the security cluster is operating at its highest level of readiness.

"Our state of readiness remains at the highest operational level, with the necessary capacity, resources, coordination and contingency arrangements in place to secure the 2026 Local Government Elections," Mosikili said at the press briefing.

"We are ready to execute our responsibilities and to ensure that South Africans can exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful, safe and secure environment."

Mosikili said law enforcement has taken into account intelligence reports, historical incidents and prevailing threats, with contingency plans in place to respond immediately to any disruption.

"Our operational planning has taken into consideration the prevailing security environment, historical incidents, intelligence information and potential threats that could affect the electoral process," she said.

"We have contingency measures in place to ensure that any emerging situation is addressed promptly and that the safety of voters and the integrity of the electoral process are not compromised."

The warning of more arrests comes after a tense special voting period. Police have already effected arrests in connection with incidents reported across the country, including two suspects arrested in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, for allegedly impersonating IEC officials, and the dispersal of party supporters who stormed IEC storage facilities in Dassenhoek, Richmond, uMkhambathini and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mosikili made it clear that law enforcement will not tolerate intimidation, misinformation or interference with the vote.

She urged South Africans to cooperate with security forces and to uphold democratic values.

"Exercise your democratic right to vote, respect the rights of others, refrain from spreading misinformation, avoid acts of intimidation and comply with the laws of the country. The success of the elections is a collective responsibility," she said.

"While the Security Cluster will fulfil its mandate, the cooperation of political parties, communities, traditional leaders, civil society and every eligible voter remains essential."

Mosikili also issued a stern warning to political parties that campaigning is now over. In line with the electoral timetable, no campaigning is allowed beyond midnight on Tuesday.

"There must be no political persuasion, solicitation or intimidation of voters at or around voting stations," she said.

"Every eligible voter must be afforded the opportunity to exercise their democratic right freely, without undue influence, intimidation or interference from any political party or individual."

She added that protests on Election Day are prohibited and anyone contravening the law will be dealt with.

"We wish to make it clear that any person found contravening Section 76 of the Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000, or any other applicable provision of the law, will be dealt with accordingly," Mosikili said.

"Our intention as law enforcement agencies is not to prevent people from exercising their constitutional and democratic rights. On the contrary, our deployment is intended to create an environment in which every South African can safely access a voting station and cast their vote without fear, intimidation or disruption."

Meanwhile, Electoral Commission Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the IEC is ready for the polls.

"We urge voters, political parties, independent candidates, observers and all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, respect the electoral process and contribute to a peaceful Election Day," Moepya said.

"The Commission remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter is afforded the opportunity to cast their ballot in a free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral process," he said.