Security heightened ahead of municipal elections in South Africa

Ahead of South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for Wednesday, the government is putting the necessary security measures.

The troubled Vuwani region is among the high-risk regions in the country, that recently saw more than 20 schools torched down, in relation to demarcation issues.

Residents had complained they were not consulted about the process and authorities have been accused of not consulting.

About 1000 security forces have been deployed to provide logistical support and ensure voting takes place in a peaceful environment.

“Our take is that we have what it takes to deliver a safe and secure elections. We have done the necessary deployments. Just today, we have more than 1,000 police people operational in this area,” said acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Khomotso Phahlane.

The outcome of the polls will be an indicator of just how badly support for the ruling African National Congress has been dented by a series of scandals embroiling President Jacob Zuma.

Provincial and local election day in South Africa. Will the ANC retain the size of their majority?

— Sean Power (@seanpowerjersey) August 2, 2016

“The people of Vuwani are assured that, as law enforcement agencies, we are here and we have done what is necessary. In as far as deployment is concern ed, we can guarantee that they need not fear anyone. They must be allowed to exercise their democratic vote and they should go in numbers to the voting stations to cast their vote,” said Phahlane.

Vuwani residents have vowed not to take part in the polls, but authorities are assuring them of their safety during the exercise.