Police have warned that lawlessness and attempts to undermine the integrity of the electoral process will not be tolerated as security preparations intensify ahead of Wednesday’s 2026 Local Government Elections.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia issued the warning on Tuesday after visiting the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) National Operations Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, as the two-day special voting process drew to a close.

Cachalia was accompanied by Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo and Deputy Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Andries Nel.

The delegation met with IEC commissioners and received briefings on the progress of special voting, as well as operational arrangements to ensure that Wednesday’s general voting process takes place in a safe and secure environment.

The visit comes amid reports of several incidents in different parts of the country during the special voting period, prompting police to reaffirm their commitment to dealing decisively with conduct that threatens the credibility of the elections.

According to the Police Ministry, arrests have already been made in connection with some of the reported incidents.

While the ministry did not provide details of the incidents or the number of people arrested, it stressed that anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process would face the consequences of their actions.

“Lawlessness and any conduct that threatens the integrity of the electoral process will not be tolerated,” spokesperson for the Minister of Police, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said.

The warning comes as millions of registered voters prepare to head to voting stations across the country on Wednesday to elect councillors who will be responsible for running municipalities over the next five years.

The security arrangements are being coordinated through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which brings together various government departments and security agencies to manage operational readiness during major national events.

NATJOINTS continues to coordinate security measures and strengthen preparations to ensure that sufficient resources are available to respond to any incidents that could disrupt voting.

The Police Ministry said the security structures were working closely with the IEC and other stakeholders to protect voters, election officials and voting infrastructure.

It also assured the public that every effort was being made to create an environment in which South Africans could exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation.

“The South African Police Service remains committed to enforcing the law impartially and decisively, ensuring that all South Africans can exercise their democratic right to vote in a safe and secure environment,” the ministry said.

Special voting, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, allowed registered voters who had successfully applied to cast their ballots before the main voting day.

These included people who could not visit their voting stations on Wednesday because of physical disabilities, pregnancy or other qualifying circumstances, as well as voters who applied for home visits.

With special voting now concluding, attention shifts to Wednesday’s nationwide voting process, when voting stations will open to registered voters.

The IEC has been working with law enforcement agencies and other government structures to ensure that voting takes place without disruptions.

The Police Ministry’s latest assurance comes as political parties compete for control of municipalities, with the outcome expected to shape service delivery, local governance and accountability in communities across South Africa.

Authorities have urged voters to participate peacefully and respect the electoral process, warning that criminality, intimidation and attempts to interfere with voting will be dealt with in accordance with the law.