Hundreds of private security companies set to assist police ahead of elections
On Sunday, Police Minister Bheki Cele said their general elections security plan identified 500 high-risk voting stations out of the 23,000 nationwide.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele. Picture: X/SAPoliceService
JOHANNESBURG - Hundreds of private security companies will play a crucial role in assisting police ahead of the national general elections.
On Sunday, Police Minister Bheki Cele said their general elections security plan identified 500 high-risk voting stations out of the 23,000 nationwide.
The Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster announced a security plan has been put in place ahead of the elections.
Eyewitness News understands that private security firms were briefed this week by police regarding their general elections’ security plan.
Several areas of concern were identified across the country, specifically in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Private security firms in Gauteng will deploy almost 20 helicopters to provide police with a birds-eye view in hotspot areas.
Drones will also be deployed.
Business Against Crime South Africa's executive project manager Fouche Burgers said private security will assist police, both prior to and after elections.
“We will feed the police with situational information, what is happening on the ground constantly.”
Areas considered hotspots include police and voting stations that have received threats of intimidation leading up to the election.