Lt-General Mkhwanazi has issued firm instructions to police deployed across KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the local government elections. Officers are to protect voters, IEC officials and election materials throughout the process. He warned that political bias will not be tolerated from anyone on duty. Misconduct will be dealt with just as firmly, he said. Any attempt to undermine the electoral process will also face consequences. The directive leaves officers with a clear mandate to keep the vote running safely and without favoritism.