Vaal elections tomorrow: police say security plans are in place

Vaal voters go to the polls on Wednesday 4 November for the 2026 local government elections. Security officials say they are ready.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) briefed the media in Tshwane on Sunday. Its chairperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said security arrangements were in place across all provinces, metropolitan municipalities, districts and policing precincts. She said voting stations had undergone security assessments (gov.za; SAnews).

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is on standby to support police in hotspot areas if needed.

Police on the ground in Sedibeng

On Monday, police from stations across the Sedibeng District paraded before being deployed for the first day of special votes, Sedibeng Ster reported.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela told the paper that the deployment focused on security at voting stations and support for IEC special voting across the district. Members were reminded to “remain professional, impartial and vigilant while protecting the rights of all voters”, she said.

Candidate’s murder still under investigation

The briefing came less than a week after Thulani Mbana, the DA’s caucus leader and Ward 14 candidate in Metsimaholo, was shot dead at his home in Taylor Park, Zamdela, on the night of Monday 26 October.

Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo told OFM News that two men approached him at his home and that one of them shot him several times. She said the motive had not been established and that police had not confirmed whether the killing was politically motivated (IOL).

The Free State police commissioner has assigned the Zamdela Trio Task Team and the Serious Organised Crime Unit to the case. Police have not confirmed any arrest for the murder.

Nationally, NATJOINTS said 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters had been recorded during the election period, with seven arrests. Gauteng had seven of them and the Free State one. Police have not said whether Mbana’s killing is among them.

Nation Watch SA has asked Free State police for an update. This story will be updated with their response.

What voters need to know

• Voting stations are open from 07:00 to 21:00, according to the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) election timetable. Anyone in the queue at 21:00 may still vote (IEC Observer Handbook).
• Vote at the station where you are registered, and take your ID (IEC).
• Campaigning must end at midnight on Tuesday. No campaigning or canvassing is allowed on voting day.
• NATJOINTS warns that intimidating or pressuring voters is an offence under the Electoral Act.
• Home Affairs offices will be open from 07:00 to 21:00 on Wednesday for voters who need IDs, NATJOINTS said.

Police stations will stay open as normal for emergencies and complaints, NATJOINTS said.