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18 May 2011

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), operating from a military base in Pretoria and responsible for coordinating all security - related activities for today’s local general elections, is satisfied that all security force deployments are in place and that communities are casting their votes in stable and peaceful conditions.

The total number of persons deployed under instruction of the NATJOINTS, which include South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members, the various Metro Police departments, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) personnel and employees of other government departments partnering with the NATJOINTS, amounts to 131 586. Among this number is included 75 000 police officials and 1 200 members of the South African National Defence Force.

The security forces would like to remind voters, especially as we go into afternoon and evening voting, that no alcohol may be consumed in or around a polling station (in fact alcohol may not be consumed in public at all). Any person arriving intoxicated at a polling station will be turned away and not permitted to vote. It is also important to bear in mind that no firearms may be taken into a polling station and must be left safely locked in a safe at home.

The security forces will remain on duty until all polling stations have closed, the counting process has been finalised and the result centres close their doors. 

Enquiries:
Brigadier Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658

Source: South African Police Service 

Issued by: South African Police Service
18 May 2011

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