“No Mercy For Lawbreakers:” KZN Police Boss Mkhwanazi Gives SAPS And SANDF Officers Strict Orders

Mkhwanazi Sends Strong Warning To Criminals As SAPS And SANDF Officers Receive Tough Orders Ahead Of Elections

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has delivered a strong message to criminals ahead of South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, warning that law enforcement officers will not negotiate with individuals who attempt to disrupt the voting process or engage in criminal activities.

Mkhwanazi made the remarks on Tuesday during a multidisciplinary security forces send-off parade at Hoy Park in Durban, where police officers and members of various security agencies gathered ahead of Wednesday’s elections.

The provincial police commissioner, accompanied by Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba, addressed personnel from the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Metro Police.

During his address, Mkhwanazi reminded officers that their responsibility extends beyond protecting voting stations. He emphasised that criminals would not suspend their activities simply because millions of South Africans were heading to the polls.

He therefore instructed deployed officers to continue carrying out their normal crime-fighting responsibilities while ensuring that election-related security remains a priority.

One of his strongest messages was directed at officers who might be tempted to become involved in political disagreements.

Mkhwanazi stressed that police officers are not politicians or representatives of political parties. Instead, they are expected to remain neutral, professional and impartial throughout the electoral process.

He further instructed security personnel to treat all political parties and independent candidates equally, ensuring that nobody receives preferential treatment.

The security deployment in KwaZulu-Natal includes personnel stationed at more than 4,300 voting stations across the province.

Additional mobile teams have also been assigned to conduct stop-and-search operations involving suspicious vehicles and monitor potential security threats.

Other officers will be responsible for escorting Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) election materials to and from voting stations to ensure their safe transportation.

Mkhwanazi also emphasised the importance of enforcing the Electoral Act, warning that anyone attempting to intimidate voters, interfere with election procedures or compromise the integrity of the voting process must face the appropriate legal consequences.

He instructed officers to protect IEC officials and members of the public exercising their constitutional right to vote.

However, he also cautioned security personnel against allowing provocations to affect their conduct, insisting that discipline, restraint and professionalism must guide every operation.

KwaZulu-Natal is among the provinces receiving significant attention during the elections, with more than 5.8 million registered voters expected to participate.

The deployment is intended to reassure residents that adequate security measures are in place to protect voting stations and maintain public order.

As South Africans cast their ballots, Mkhwanazi’s message remains clear: political differences must not be allowed to undermine the electoral process, and criminal activities will not be tolerated under the cover of election celebrations.

https://x.com/TheTruthPanther/status/2117583195331858485

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