Police arrest 59 suspects as KZN leads election-related cases

MIDRAND - Police have registered a total 122 criminal cases dockets linked to the 2026 local government elections, with 59 suspects in total arrested during the two-day special voting period and on the election day. 

Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Tebello Mosikili revealed this on Thursday during a walkabout at the Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand as counting and tallying of results continue. 

Mosikili broke down the numbers, revealing that on election day, a total of 85 incidents were reported across the country, with 57 criminal cases registered and 27 suspects arrested.

The cases ranged from the following: 

• 32 cases related to the contravention of the Electoral Act
• 4 cases were of assault
• 2 cases of malicious damage to property
• 2 cases of intimidation
• 1 case of theft
• 2 cases of criminal injuria
• 1 case of drunk and disorderly conduct at the voting station
• 1 case of public violence
• 1 case of burglary
• 1 case of fraud.

The provincial distribution of the incidents was as follows:

During the two days of special votes, Mosikili said police registered 65 criminal cases and arrested 32 suspects. 

The provincial distribution of the incidents was as follows:

Mosikili said the figures reflect police efforts beyond maintaining visibility at voting stations, with officers also making arrests, investigating incidents and advancing criminal cases through the justice system.

“Natjoints remains resolute that violations of electoral legislation and other criminal conduct will be dealt with decisively, irrespective of where they occur or who is involved," she said.