Johannesburg -
Bekkersdal, on the West Rand, was quiet on Sunday, but the police were still monitoring the situation there after violence on day one of the voter registration weekend.
“It has been quiet. There was no violence this morning,” said Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.
“We have increased police visibility in Bekkersdal,” he said.
On Saturday, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said seven voting stations were temporarily closed in Bekkersdal after intimidation and violence.
Dlamini said no arrests had been made.
It was reported that a mob torched a municipal building, barricaded roads, and intimidated residents wanting to register to vote in next year's general election.
Violent protests also erupted in the township several weeks ago, with people demanding better service delivery and the removal of their mayor.
The protests were suspended last Sunday to allow the government time to investigate residents' grievances.
At the time, residents set government buildings alight and children writing exams were taken out of school.
Residents reportedly said they would not allow the IEC into the area unless Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane apologised for comments she made during a recent visit to the area.
Last month Mokonyane apparently told protesters in Bekkersdal, who did not want her to address them, that the ANC did not need their “dirty votes”.
Mokonyane said in a statement on Friday: “Given the situation currently and in the best interest of peace and stability, I really would want to apologise to those who may believe, or who were made to believe that I made such attacks to the residents of Bekkersdal.”
IEC spokeswoman Kate Bapela said on Sunday that she would provide an update on Bekkersdal later in the day.
SABC radio reported that Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor visited the township on Sunday and encouraged residents to register to vote.
The broadcaster reported that registration centres were quiet on Sunday. - Sapa