The South African Police Service (SAPS) has responded to several protests at voting stations across the Eastern Cape, while confirming that most stations are operating without disruption.
At Madlalisa Voting Station in Alfred Nzo, community members locked the station with a padlock, preventing IEC officials from entering. Following unsuccessful negotiations, Public Order Police broke the padlock and the station was reopened. Approximately 400 protesters gathered nearby carrying placards reading “no vote.”
At Khwezi Senior Primary School in Port St Johns, residents protested over the lack of network coverage. Police confirmed that the situation had stabilised and voting was able to proceed.
In Dutywa, approximately 50 protesters blocked the entrance to Mdunyiswa Voting Station with burning tyres and school desks. The protest was believed to be service delivery related. The situation was resolved, with police remaining on site.
Meanwhile, the SANDF airlifted IEC officials, SAPS personnel and election materials to Sigingqini Voting Station in Mqanduli after road access proved impossible, allowing the station to open on time.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata also conducted aerial surveillance across the OR Tambo District to monitor election security.
SAPS confirmed that other voting stations were operating normally and that police would remain deployed to ensure voters could cast their ballots safely.
