Election security tightened as police warn against intimidation and violence

South African security forces are strengthening preparations for the local government election, with police, the military and community structures mobilised to prevent violence and disruption at voting stations. In the Western Cape, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi says no area will be treated as a no-go zone and eligible voters must be able to vote without fear or intimidation. The South African National Defence Force is on standby to assist police in identified hotspots, while intelligence-led operations have been activated in all nine provinces. Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warns that marches and demonstrations will not be allowed on voting day and urges the public to avoid gatherings near polling stations.