The ANC can now add another ward to its tally after the recount of votes in the newly established Ward 35 in Emalahleni Local Municipality, reports Witbank News.

IEC Mpumalanga spokesperson Thandoxolo Chembeni confirmed the ANC has now won 24 wards in the municipal local elections

This number will still need to be declared.

Criminal cases follow clash and rigging claims

The recount follows allegations of vote-rigging during a heated clash between the DA and the ANC yesterday (November 11).

Tensions flared when DA councillor Sipho Mthombeni was allegedly assaulted and his cellphone stolen during a confrontation with members of the ANC at 12:15.

This incident led to criminal cases being opened at Witbank Police Station against the ANC and Nkangala District Council Whip Conny Nkalitshana later that evening, as verified by the police.

Nkalitshana showed Witbank News a statement written by party agent Lucky Matlaune, who claimed he was paid R1 200 to manipulate voting figures.She denied assaulting Mthombeni or taking his cellphone

ANC, IEC and DA respond to allegations

ANC regional spokesperson Clarence Maseko said: “The ANC is internally listening to all sides privy to the allegations. Once clarity prevails, the ANC will certainly issue a formal statement, and appropriate action will be taken thereafter.”

Chembeni said the ANC lodged an objection regarding the counting of votes.

Chembeni explained that the objection was not about rigging the results, noting that the counting process involves multiple steps and checks, meaning a single individual cannot manipulate results independently.

The recount leaves the DA with nine wards.

DA constituency leader Maureen Scheepers said the party will issue an official press release later.

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