A KwaZulu-Natal police sergeant has been removed from election duties after allegedly arriving at a voting station in a vehicle displaying political party posters, raising concerns over police impartiality during the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Wednesday, November 4, that the officer had been precautionarily removed from her election deployment pending an investigation into her alleged unprofessional conduct.
The incident occurred at a voting station in the Mphithini area of Donnybrook, where the officer had been deployed to provide security during voting.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the officer allegedly arrived at the voting station in a vehicle branded with posters belonging to a political party.
Despite the incident, police confirmed that voting at the station was continuing without disruption.
Police threaten disciplinary and possible criminal action
Acting KZN Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba has warned that police officers who compromise their professional responsibilities during elections will face consequences.
Makoba reiterated that unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated, stressing that police officers were expected to remain impartial while carrying out their election duties.
Makoba said the matter would be investigated to determine whether the officer had violated any laws.
“We reminded our officers of their responsibilities and how they must conduct themselves. Apart from internal disciplinary steps, we shall investigate contravention of any applicable Act so that we investigate the matter holistically and open criminal proceedings if investigations direct us to do”, said Major General Makoba.
The officer could face internal disciplinary proceedings, while criminal charges may follow if investigators establish that an offence was committed.
Suspect arrested for assaulting police officers at Umlazi voting station
Meanwhile, police arrested a suspect following a separate incident at a voting station in Umlazi on Wednesday morning.
Netshiunda said the suspect allegedly arrived at a voting station in M Section while drinking alcohol and appeared to be under the influence.
Police officers attempted to intervene after the suspect allegedly behaved inappropriately at the voting station.
The situation escalated when the suspect allegedly assaulted officers who were attempting to contain his behaviour.
“The suspect was duly arrested for assault and other charges relating to the contravention of the Electoral Act might be added,” Netshiunda said.
Three K9 officers injured in collision while travelling to voting station
In another election-related incident, three police officers attached to the K9 Unit sustained minor injuries after their vehicle collided with two cattle in the Ibisi policing precinct.
The officers were travelling to a voting station when the collision occurred.
Netshiunda confirmed that all three officers had been discharged from hospital after receiving medical attention.
They were declared medically fit to resume their election duties.
