Ballots at two voting stations in eMalahleni are set to be recounted after allegations of vote-rigging. The recount will take place at the Pine Ridge Combined School Voting Station and the House of Miracles Voting Station in Ward 35.

Witbank News reports emotions ran high yesterday when the DA opened criminal cases of assault and theft against the ANC at Witbank Police Station, where members of both parties gathered and tensions escalated. The charges follow an incident in Siyanqoba in which newly elected DA ward councillor Sipho Mthombeni was assaulted and had his cellphone stolen, allegedly by members of the ANC.

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DA constituency leader Maureen Scheepers confirmed that cases of assault and theft were formally opened against Nkangala District Council whip Conny Nkalitshana and the ANC.

According to Mthombeni, he received an urgent call from DA party agent Lucky Matlaune, who reported being harassed and threatened by ANC members. Mthombeni went to collect Matlaune, but when ANC members arrived, both men ran to hide before being tracked down.

Mthombeni alleged that Nkalitshana took his phone during the ensuing confrontation. He further claimed that Matlaune was subsequently kidnapped and allegedly forced to sign a statement designed to favour the ANC in the election.

Counter-claims over alleged bribery

Nkalitshana admitted to being on the scene during the incident, but denied taking Mthombeni’s phone. She stated that ANC members went to Matlaune’s house after receiving reports that voting figures were allegedly being rigged. Nkalitshana showed Witbank News a written statement which appears to show Matlaune claiming he had been paid R1 200 to manipulate voting numbers. The authenticity of the statement has not been verified.

Witbank SAPS confirmed that it opened cases of theft and assault.

Under electoral regulations, political parties dissatisfied with voting station results have 48 hours from the time figures are shared to lodge an official objection. The election results were officially gazetted yesterday (November 11).

ANC and IEC response

Witbank News contacted ANC regional spokesperson Clarence Maseko for comment.

“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,” Maseko said.

IEC Mpumalanga spokesperson Thanduxolo Chembeni confirmed that a recount will take place.

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