MEC Kaunda pleased with police presence in hot spots

Today the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda visited various voting stations in the province, particularly those that were identified as hot spots to monitor the safety of voters and IEC staff.

MEC Kaunda kicked off his visits at the Glebelands Hostel in uMlaza where snaking queues had already started by 6 am. Despite minor challenges such as the late arrival of voting equipment, the area was calm and voting proceeded smoothly. Police maintained a strong presence in the area to ensure that no incidents of violence take place.

MEC Kaunda then proceeded to Umgababa to diffuse violent public protests which resulted in the blockading of N2. Police acted swiftly and dispersed the protesting crowd.

He also visited voting stations in Inanda and Lindelani in KwaDukuza. Police have heightened visibility in Lindelani as a result of violent conflicts, which occurred in previous elections at the voting station.

“Although we experienced few incidents of public protests which resulted in some voting stations to open late, we are pleased that police reacted swiftly and voting is proceeding smoothly in the province,” said Kaunda.

In the afternoon, Kaunda visited Bergville after receiving reports that some members of the community blocked entrances at various voting stations in the area.

MEC Kaunda has assured the people of KwaZulu-Natal that police are straining every nerve to ensure that they are able to exercise their right to vote freely. “This will continue up until the election results are released. We are also going to ensure that post-election celebrations are secured,” said Kaunda.

MEC Kaunda pleased with police presence in hot spotshttps://t.co/wyCRiHLTlm #ArriveAlive #Voting #HotSpots @SAPoliceService @KZNTransport pic.twitter.com/hUkKu5NEYW

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 9, 2019