Police in KwaZulu-Natal are on high alert for potential unrest following the announcement of the 2024 general election results, with concerns that MK Party supporters might incite riots.
What police know about the MK Party-incited riots
According to two Crime Intelligence insiders quoted in a News24 report, scores of officers from the Public Order Police unit and Tactical Response Team were deployed by 17:00 on Sunday to prevent potential civil unrest.
Community policing forums and residents’ organisations are also preparing, as they do not want to be caught off guard again. As of now, no incidents have been reported.
On Saturday evening, former president Jacob Zuma, the face of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), demanded that the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) not declare the election results until the party’s complaints, which included unsubstantiated vote-rigging claims and calls for a recount, were addressed.
Zuma stated that any declaration would provoke the MK Party, which, along with other political parties, had lodged objections with the IEC.
Without providing proof, the MKP claimed vote-rigging and sabotage of the IEC’s systems.
The plan in place to enforce law and order
Police are strategically deployed to key areas, monitoring potential hotspots for unrest.
An insider familiar with the deployments stated that officers were sent to vital areas and were staying vigilant for any “flare-ups.” They were particularly active in the Cato Ridge area near Pietermaritzburg.
The insider emphasised that the police were well-prepared to prevent any violence, stating:
“We know what happened before, and we are working ahead of time and at speed now to ensure that we are not caught lacking.”
As of Monday morning, key roads between Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal remained clear. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that no reports of roadblocks or unrest had been received since Sunday evening.
A source within Durban Crime Intelligence mentioned that they were also on high alert, stating:
“The structures are there and we have met and discussed things. We are going to be at key areas to prevent anything. We have a lot of boots on the ground, and we are checking for intelligence from all our resources.”
Did Jacob Zuma incite riots?
Zuma’s recent statements have raised concerns about potential unrest.
On Saturday evening, he insisted that the IEC should not declare the election results until the MK Party’s grievances were addressed, warning that doing so would provoke the party.
Zuma’s claims included allegations of vote-rigging and sabotage of the IEC’s systems, although no evidence was provided.
The police are taking these statements seriously, given the history of violence following similar rhetoric.
The deployment of police to key areas and the involvement of community policing forums indicate a proactive approach to preventing any potential riots.
The authorities have emphasised their readiness to maintain law and order and are closely monitoring the situation to respond swiftly to any threats of violence.