Maki Molapo28 May 2024 | 5:04

Elections 2024: 700 additional public order cops deployed to KZN, Eastern Cape

There was a disruptive taxi strike in Mthatha on Monday allegedly sparked after police allegedly took guns from one of the factions, where busy routes were closed by disgruntled operators.

Elections 2024: 700 additional public order cops deployed to KZN, Eastern Cape

South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in formation. Picture: X/SAPoliceService

JOHANNESBURG - Seven hundred additional Public Order Policing (POP) members have been deployed to KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.

There was a disruptive taxi strike in Mthatha on Monday, where busy routes were closed by disgruntled operators.

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Many children were unable to go to school, trucks were looted and some were overturned.

The violence was sparked after police allegedly took guns from one of the taxi factions.

The police's Athlenda Mathe said officers are on the ground to ensure people vote peacefully.

"We are expecting no disruptions and acts of criminality to take place under their watch. We are sending them out there to protect the constitutional right of South Africans and the integrity of the election process."