Pretoria - State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele has called for peace and calm in Bekkersdal, following the burning down of three IEC voting tents last night.
“Let’s make this day a day of rights. We don’t want to be in conflict with the law on a day like today,” Minister Cwele said.
Today will see South Africa’s 25 million registered voters casting their ballots in the fifth democratic elections. Voting is underway at voting stations across the country and will remain open until 9pm.
Minister Cwele, who was at the Development Hub voting station in Bekkersdal on Wednesday morning, said the situation was stable.
He called on residents to go and vote without fear, assuring them that security was sufficient.
The minister further assured that election material would be safe.
Three tents were torched last night but they have since been reassembled by IEC officials. Residents have been queuing to cast their vote since early this morning.
Police said earlier that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the torching of the tents. – SAnews.gov.za
