Levy Masiteng
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has warned officers deployed for Wednesday’s local government elections that political bias, misconduct and failure to protect voters will not be tolerated.
“I do not have to remind you that you are not politicians. You do not need to be reminded that you are not party agents, and that you do not support or favour any political party or independent candidate over the other.
“You are an impartial law enforcement officer who must treat all political parties equally and with respect,” he said while addressing a send-off parade at Hoy Park in Durban on Tuesday.
Mkhwanazi said officers must remain professional even when confronted by people attempting to provoke them.
“When you go out there, be aware that some will attempt to provoke you into taking uncalculated actions. Be calm, be patient but above all, be very decisive. When it is time to enforce the law, do so uncompromisingly.”
He said officers would be stationed at voting centres, while mobile units would patrol surrounding areas and respond to incidents.
Roving teams were instructed to monitor suspicious vehicles and individuals, while officers stationed at voting stations were told to remain alert and ready to respond to security threats.
“Do not compromise the safety of voters and IEC officials. No one must enter the voting station with weapons, especially firearms.”
“We are not sending you out there to negotiate with law breakers, your mission is to create a safe voting environment, and no one must temper with that.”
Mkhwanazi also warned that lessons from previous elections had exposed shortcomings that could not be repeated.
“We learnt lessons from previous elections and this time around we cannot allow the same shortfalls to happen.”
He instructed officers to ensure that all sensitive voting materials were escorted between warehouses and voting stations, with no movements permitted without police protection.
He also warned against late arrivals, failures to report for duty and unprofessional conduct.
“The Operational Plan which we have put together looks solid and effective on paper. However, its effectiveness relies on your conduct and dedication.”
Mkhwanazi reminded officers that they were entitled to cast special votes but that their political participation must end there.
“As I conclude I would like to remind you that you had yesterday and the rest of today to cast your special votes. That is the closest you get to any political involvement. You are not comrades and you are not councillor candidates.”
Officers who believed they could not remain impartial were instructed not to take up their posts.
“If you feel that you are conflicted, and that you are not fit for the task ahead, do not take up your post because once you take up your position, we expect you to be a true law enforcement officer.”
“If you do anything contrary to what is expected from you, we shall act accordingly and ensure that applicable disciplinary steps are taken.”
Mkhwanazi also said that normal policing operations must continue during the elections, warning that criminals could exploit the heightened focus on voting security.
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