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The JCPS Cluster led by Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa on Thursday, 17 April 2014 visited the election hotspots in KwaZulu-Natal.
 
The visit is part of efforts to bring peace and stability to areas affected by crime and violent protests. The committee visited KwaMashu township and C-section in Wembezi, Escourt. This is the first in a series of visits across the country to address any challenges that may arise ahead of the elections.
 
The delegation comprised of Ministers of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, State Security, Dr Siyabonga Cwele and Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, Secretary of Defence, Dr Samson Gulube and the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Advocate Pansy Tlakula.
 
The visit started at KwaMashu township where they were briefed by the Provincial Joints Operations Centre about the situation. The Ministers further conducted a walk about at the hostel in Section A to assess the situation.
 
The Ministers expressed satifaction with the level of preparedness of the IEC. The Ministers are also satisfied with the fact that the police are taking action and making arrests arising from political intolerance and criminal activities. The National Prosecuting Authority has prioritised such cases and also assigned experienced prosecutors to attend to these and facilitate administration of swift justice.
 
The Ministers further visited Wembezi in Escourt in Uthukela District Municipality. The Ministers were further briefed by the Provincial Joint Operations Committee (PROVJOC) about the situation in the area and conducted a walkabout in the area.
 
This visit was very successful and the Ministers called for calm and peace in both areas and across the country. The committee further reiterated that government will not tolerate any violence, incitement, intimidation, vandalism, public disorder and intolerance.
 
Government further emphasised that every South African, wherever they are in the country, should be free to go out and vote freely without any fear. Government will ensure that a climate for free and fair elections is created for elections to take place.
 
Government will continue to act to ensure that peace and stability prevails ahead of the national general elections on the 7th of May 2014.