The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa did not order closure of any polling stations in Bekkersdal today.

ENCA tv station is currently leading with an incorrect headline that the Minister has ordered the closure of two polling stations due to alleged intimidation of Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) staff.  The report is misleading, sensational, lacks basic elements of professional journalism which involve thorough verification of facts before reporting. 

We have spoken to ENCA to register our displeasure about such misleading reporting.  In fact, such inaccurate reporting has potential to cause unnecessary panic not only in Bekkersdal but across various adjacent areas where polling stations are operating.

The Minister is currently visiting Bekkersdal as part of monitoring the voter registration process from a safety perspective.  He has however not issued any order of any polling station to be closed.  The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure has confirmed that all polling stations in Bekkersdal are operating smoothly and dismisses these unfounded allegations.

The law enforcements under the NATJOINTS command are on the ground in Bekkersdal, monitoring the process and have warned that any person who intimidates IEC staff or compromises the safety of any resident who goes to register, will face the full might of the law.

Thank you