Limpopo Police Collaborate with Stakeholders to Ensure Secure Elections

At a media briefing on Monday, Hadebe urged community members to download the SAPS app, highlighting its value in reporting criminal activities to the police.

Police in Limpopo are working closely with various stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), to address security concerns during the voting period effectively.

"We have implemented dedicated communication channels for citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents associated with the elections, including the utilization of the SAPS app for reporting any criminal activities within the community," stated Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

At a media briefing on Monday, Hadebe urged community members to download the SAPS app, highlighting its value in reporting criminal activities to the police.

"One of our biggest threats at the moment is fake news. We strongly condemn the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumors, and threats, as this seeks to cause panic and confusion, and in some instances, incite violence," Hadebe emphasized.

She urged community members to fact-check information before sharing it on social media platforms. "Those who are found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly. We, therefore, urge prompt reporting of these incidents to ensure that law enforcement deals with such issues.

"Through public awareness campaigns, we are educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities during the electoral process. Your cooperation and support are crucial in upholding the integrity of the elections and safeguarding democracy in our beloved province," Hadebe added.

Hadebe explained that the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints), led by the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and the State Security Agency, will continue to monitor election activities closely and oversee all voting stations in the province.

"We established a dedicated team through ProvJoints tasked with developing a security strategy that includes command and control measures to protect the integrity and credibility of the 2024 general elections. We have identified 157 voting stations characterized as medium risk and 24 as high risk," she said.

Regarding the recent shooting incident at Juju Valley in Seshego, Hadebe assured the community that law enforcement agencies, led by SAPS, are actively monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens during this heightened election period.

"While measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of us. We remain resolute in our stance to fight crime in the province," Hadebe concluded.