JOHANNESBURG, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Sunday assured its citizens that the upcoming national and provincial elections will be conducted in a safe and secure environment, with just one month to go before South African voters head to the polls.

"As the government, we want to issue a stern warning to anyone with the intention of disrupting the elections that law enforcement officers will deal with them decisively and put them behind bars," Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Thandi Modise said in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, while briefing the media on crime prevention and security preparedness for the elections.

Modise said they will rely on coordinated and intelligence-led planning and operations before, during, and after the elections.

"We have put measures in place to protect all public facilities that will be used for voting, including national key points and other essential infrastructure that might be targeted by criminal elements. Any person who tampers with or damages essential infrastructure is guilty of a criminal offense, and can be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years if found guilty," said Modise.

Prosecutors also stand ready to prosecute offenses such as electoral fraud and corruption, interference with the duties of electoral officials, and forcing anyone to vote, said Modise, who warned the public against spreading false and unverified information, rumors, and threats.

The minister added that the security plan will be constantly reviewed as the situation changes and will be adapted as necessary.

According to South Africa's electoral management body, the 2024 elections are expected to be the most competitive in the country's history, with more than 14,000 candidates vying for 887 seats in national and provincial legislatures.

South Africa will hold the national and local government elections on May 29.