More than 300 police officers deployed in KZN for potential post-election unrest

• The Police have announced deploying additional police officers to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), marking the fourth such deployment since early May
• This strategic move, detailed by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, aims to enhance security in the province following the recent elections
• The total number of teams sent to KZN since May has risen to five, reflecting the SAPS’s commitment to maintaining order

Reitumetse Makwea, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Pretoria, South Africa, has covered court and crime-related news at The Citizen and Rekord Noweto for over five years.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced that more members will be deployed to KZN for the SAPS post-election operational strategy. Images: @HeidiGiokos and @DasenThathiah. Source: Twitter

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced deploying additional police officers to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

This marks the fourth such deployment since early May.

The National Police Commissioner of South Africa, General Fannie Masemola, said the strategic move aimed to enhance security in the province, particularly following the recent elections.

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Post-election safety strategy

Addressing a parade of Public Order Police (POPs) members, Masemola detailed the SAPS’s post-election operational strategy.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining order and safety in KZN.

The latest deployment includes over 300 officers, adding to the initial batch of more than 200 officers sent at the beginning of May, especially for elections.

“Our intelligence on the ground indicates the necessity of reinforcing our presence in KZN."

“We believe that the additional teams will play a crucial role in ensuring stability and security across the province.”

In an interview with eNCA, Masemola said the total number of additional teams sent to KZN since May has risen to five, underscoring the SAPS's commitment to addressing security concerns in the region.

South Africans are convinced the province doesn't need the extra visibility

The decision to deploy more officers has sparked various reactions on social media, reflecting diverse public opinions.

@Lindy647306 voiced suspicion:

“They know they committed a crime. Now they are trying to intimidate KZN citizens.”

@Vester_phiri criticised the move as inefficient, commenting:

“A waste of state resources.”

Conversely, @Bukhulubec14188 downplayed the need for additional police presence, stating:

“He can send them; the province is fine. We don’t need Police.”

Security Strategy

Speaking to Briefly News, the Institute for Security Studies' Dr Johan Burger previously said the ongoing deployments are part of a broader SAPS strategy to ensure peace and safety in KZN, especially during and after the elections period.

Public Order Police members are specifically trained to manage large crowds and public disturbances, making them integral to the SAPS’s efforts to maintain public order.

As the SAPS continues to monitor the situation, these additional officers are expected to bolster the province’s security infrastructure, reassuring residents and deterring potential unrest.

Warning of possible unrest during elections

Briefly News previously reported that the FirstRand Banking Group clarified a leaked memo warning of potential social unrest ahead of the 2024 elections as a routine risk assessment, not a forecast.

The memo highlights a medium-risk security notice and potential protest actions by the MK Party linked to dissatisfaction over former President Zuma's ineligibility.

The proactive approach aims to equip entities for potential disruptions, reflecting lessons from the 2021 riots.