Police Minister Bheki Cele announced that 130 suspects have been arrested for crimes committed on election day. The police have stated that 20 of those arrested are still in custody, while several others have been released on bail. Cele made this statement at the sidelines of the election results center in Midrand on Sunday night, where the IEC announced the results of the 2024 general elections.
The minister stated that most of the charges are related to suspects who were arrested for attempting to incite violence at the voting stations and in communities. The army has been deployed to strategic areas identified as hotspot zones amid concerns about possible violence after the announcement of the results.
Earlier, the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster indicated it was satisfied with how law enforcement agencies prevented and responded to incidents that would have tarnished the 7th general election.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) briefed Cele on their preparedness to ensure the safety and security of the country in the post-election phase.
Meanwhile, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola say the African National Congress (ANC) will accept the will of the people and take lessons from how the electorate votes following the ruling party’s dismal performance in this year’s polls.
