Results capturing and verification are continuing, with NATJOINTS expected to maintain its operational readiness until the 2026 Local Government Elections are formally concluded.
NATJOINTS
Security operations remain in place as IEC finalises local election results
Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as the IEC continues counting, reconciling and verifying results from Wednesday’s Local Government Elections, with NATJOINTS saying there were no widespread disruptions to the electoral process.
South Africa’s law enforcement agencies remain on alert as the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) continues with the counting, reconciliation, verification and capturing of results from Wednesday’s Local Government Elections.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said its security operations would remain in place until the electoral process is formally concluded.
NATJOINTS co-chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili briefed the media on Thursday evening, saying the security cluster remained focused on protecting election materials, securing results operations and maintaining the integrity of the results management process.
“Our operational responsibility … continues, with particular emphasis on protecting voting materials, securing results operations and safeguarding the integrity of the results management process,” Mosikili said.
He said NATJOINTS would maintain its security posture throughout the remaining stages of the election process.
“While we acknowledge the challenges and incidents encountered, the overall operational response demonstrates that the Security Cluster implemented its mandate with preparedness, discipline and determination,” he said.
Law enforcement focused on election hotspots
Reflecting on Voting Day, Mosikili said coordinated deployments and interventions by law enforcement agencies helped maintain a largely peaceful environment.
He said an intelligence-led and risk-based approach was used, with additional attention given to identified hotspots in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Provincial commissioners, national directors-general and other senior officials provided strategic oversight during the deployment, according to Mosikili.
“Eligible voters were able to exercise their democratic rights, while security forces maintained law and order and responded swiftly to reported incidents, and addressed emerging threats across all provinces,” he said.
Mosikili said the response demonstrated the Security Cluster’s preparedness and coordination in protecting the country’s democratic processes.
Planned protests did not materialise
According to NATJOINTS, planned marches and protests did not materialise on a scale that would have disrupted the elections.
“There was no widespread disruption that compromised the electoral process,” Mosikili said.
He acknowledged that some voting stations experienced operational, logistical and service delivery-related challenges.
However, he said law enforcement agencies intervened where necessary to stabilise affected areas and enable voting operations to continue.
The security operation will remain in place while the IEC completes the remaining stages of results management.
Results capturing and verification are continuing, with NATJOINTS expected to maintain its operational readiness until the 2026 Local Government Elections are formally concluded.
