KwaZulu-Natal police have logged 18 criminal cases linked to the 2026 municipal elections, with seven suspects arrested. Acting provincial police chief Phumelele Makoba confirmed the figures as voting wrapped up across South Africa. The incidents began during the early voting phase and cover a range of alleged offenses.
Eight complaints involve breaches of the Electoral Act, while another four concern threats against people. Officers also logged cases of serious assault, minor assault, property damage, fraud, and burglary. Those detained will have their cases dealt with in court.
One police sergeant has been pulled from poll duty after allegedly turning up at a voting site in a car covered with party posters. Not a great look for an officer meant to stay neutral. Makoba says an internal probe will decide if the conduct calls for discipline or even criminal charges.
Then there's the missing election gear at Mnyameni High School in Hillcrest. Someone allegedly stole blank ballots, a list of registered voters, and election ink. Detectives are treating the theft as a break-in.
The bigger issue is how those items got left there. Under police rules, ballots and other key supplies must travel with an escort and should not be left at polling sites for storage. Makoba says those rules appear to have been broken, and officers are working with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to find out who was responsible.
Security will stay tight while towns and cities form their new councils. Police want to prevent clashes as the results come through, rather than deal with violence after it starts.
And for parties unhappy with the vote, Makoba's message is clear. They should use legal channels to challenge any result, respect the public's choice, and keep protests peaceful.
Eight complaints involve breaches of the Electoral Act, while another four concern threats against people. Officers also logged cases of serious assault, minor assault, property damage, fraud, and burglary. Those detained will have their cases dealt with in court.
One police sergeant has been pulled from poll duty after allegedly turning up at a voting site in a car covered with party posters. Not a great look for an officer meant to stay neutral. Makoba says an internal probe will decide if the conduct calls for discipline or even criminal charges.
Then there's the missing election gear at Mnyameni High School in Hillcrest. Someone allegedly stole blank ballots, a list of registered voters, and election ink. Detectives are treating the theft as a break-in.
The bigger issue is how those items got left there. Under police rules, ballots and other key supplies must travel with an escort and should not be left at polling sites for storage. Makoba says those rules appear to have been broken, and officers are working with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to find out who was responsible.
Security will stay tight while towns and cities form their new councils. Police want to prevent clashes as the results come through, rather than deal with violence after it starts.
And for parties unhappy with the vote, Makoba's message is clear. They should use legal channels to challenge any result, respect the public's choice, and keep protests peaceful.
