The EFF in Nkomazi has raised serious concerns over the security of ballot boxes after allegedly discovering boxes with broken seals and removed adhesive tape in Ward 29, Buffelspruit, during the early hours of Wednesday, November 4.

According to the party, the discovery was made by members led by its subregional secretary while monitoring the area where election materials were being stored ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The EFF claims the boxes were found open as IEC area managers were collecting election materials for distribution to various voting stations.

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The party said the discovery vindicated its decision to maintain an overnight vigil outside the storage facility, despite criticism that the move was unnecessary.

It also accused the IEC of failing to safeguard election materials and questioned the credibility of the electoral process in Nkomazi.

Wider security concerns

However, the allegations of tampering in Buffelspruit have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether any ballot papers were interfered with.

The incident comes amid wider concerns over ballot security in Mpumalanga.

On Tuesday, November 3, the EFF lodged a formal complaint alleging irregularities in the handling and sealing of ballot boxes at several voting stations in Mbombela.

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Meanwhile, the IEC has cautioned political parties against spreading unsubstantiated allegations of electoral fraud, warning that misleading information could undermine public confidence in the elections.

The IEC had not provided an official response to the alleged Buffelspruit incident by the time of publication.