**Increased deployment of public order units in KwaZulu-Natal following election results in South Africa**
Tensions are rising in South Africa as an additional deployment of more than 300 members of the Public Order Unit (PoP) has been sent to KwaZulu-Natal to strengthen the security presence in the province, following the fears of outbreaks of violence following the elections.
Although the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party won 45% of the vote in the province, it is contesting the election results, while its leader, Jacob Zuma, has threatened to cause “problems” if the result is declared.
The party has threatened to take legal action, along with 25 other parties, over unspecified allegations of electoral fraud by the South African Electoral Commission (IEC). This situation has sparked concern in KwaZulu-Natal about a repeat of the July 2021 riots.
On Tuesday, the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure ordered this additional deployment as mobilization on social media against the election results continued.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the additional personnel were intended to “strengthen law enforcement operations in the post-election phase”.
She said units deployed before the elections would remain in place to monitor “activities related to the election results” by law enforcement.
The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, stressed that peaceful elections were held, allowing voters to freely express their choices, and that law enforcement agencies would continue to respond appropriately to prevent and combat the crime.
In a statement, Zulus King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini thanked the parties for their peaceful conduct and urged them to accept the election results, which he described as free and fair.
He also asked **izinduna** (traditional chiefdoms) in households in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng to remain “vigilant” and report any attempts to incite violence or unrest to security forces.
Misuzulu called on law enforcement to “show firmness” towards anyone who tried to cause “instability and chaos” after the election results were announced.
Meanwhile, Vusi Dube, outgoing ANC MP and bishop of the eThekwini Community Church, announced his intention to work with other religious leaders to prevent any clashes between supporters of the MK party and the ANC, and promote constructive dialogue.
In this climate of uncertainty and distrust, the vigilance and professionalism of law enforcement, as well as the call for responsibility and restraint from political and social actors, are more than ever essential to preserve peace and the stability of South Africa.