Violence puts elections at risk – security report

The state security apparatus believes the violence sparked by the ANC’s nominations process has placed free and fair elections at risk, according to an intelligence report compiled last week. City Press notes that the report, presented to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster of Ministers by State Security Minister David Mahlobo, reveals that the elections risk being ‘delegitimised’ following violence and protests – associated with the nominations – ignited in 80 wards and towns across eight provinces. ‘Widespread disruptions will provide grounds to challenge electoral results,’ the report says. In addition to the state security report, another intelligence report, which City Press says it has seen – this one authored by the police’s Crime Intelligence Unit – reveals that, while fiery protests raged in Tshwane last week, police were told to focus on protecting the Union Buildings, Ministers’ homes and national key points in the capital. That report, compiled after a high-level meeting, reveals that the Presidential Protection Service learnt of a threat to attack the Union Buildings late on Tuesday. The State Security report, titled Domestic Stability Assessment, was also presented to the justice, crime prevention and security cluster of Ministries – headed by Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and which also includes Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and Justice Minister Michael Masutha. The report reveals that the country’s intelligence services have projected that violence is likely to escalate before the elections on 3 August – and continue thereafter.