KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner lieutenant-general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has issued a stern warning to members of political parties who suffered crushing defeat during the general elections not to resort to sour grapes.
“Those who emerge victorious must avoid provoking anyone. The police operation is not yet over. If they take it to the streets, they will find us on the streets,” Mkhwanazi warned on Friday.
The KZN top cop was briefing the media on how the men and women in blue had fared during the elections. He lauded the police for a job well done. They endured provocation from some of the voters who arrived at polling stations intoxicated, he said.
Sterling work by police
“Police did a sterling work under difficult circumstances. Some people arrived at voting stations under the influence of alcohol. But police stood their ground,” he said.
Mkhwanazi also said that unlike other provinces, KZN police had faced a mammoth task of intercepting possible election violence. This was because of various external factors confronting the province. These include, among others, service delivery challenges, threat by dissatisfied truck drivers and other factors.
“Our work of ensuring peaceful elections started way back. Intelligence was on the ground, collecting information. Work is not done yet. Police must not rest on their laurels,” he said.
Votes still being counted
According to Mkhwanazi, on election day, 24 people were arrested for various offences. These include discharging a firearm and intimidation. Two police officers were also suspended for wearing their party regalia while on duty. They will undergo disciplinary measures.
“Our role in politics begins and stops with voting. We’re not allowed to choose sides,” said Mkhwanazi.
Meanwhile, the head of elections in the province, Ntombifuthi Masinga, gave an update. She announced by 7pm that eThekwini was the main voting district where results had not been concluded. The IEC will announce the overall election results on Sunday afternoon.
