‘Double vote’ charge laid by DA
The Democratic Alliance has opened a criminal case of fraud at the KwaDukuza police station, alleging that the special voting process held on August 1 and 2 allowed for pensioners in Ward 1 to cast their vote twice.
After a seemingly smoothly run local government elections last month, an allegation of electoral fraud against the IEC in KwaDukuza is being investigated.
The Democratic Alliance has opened a criminal case of fraud at the KwaDukuza police station, alleging that the special voting process held on August 1 and 2 allowed for pensioners in Ward 1 to cast their vote twice.
Ward 1 is in the rural Doornkop area, inland of KwaDukuza. DA leader for the Kwadukuza region, Cllr Madhun Sobram Sing, confirmed a case had been opened by the DA’s proportional representative councillor, Thokozani Gumede, who alleged that pensioners and other citizens casting special votes were allowed to vote twice.
“Gumede reported that the IEC officer did not follow proper procedure when it came to special voting. He was informed by one of the pensioners that she had voted twice.
“It was found that people’s thumbs were not inked and the voting officer did not take count of the special votes which was supposed to be done first thing in the morning. One witness has made a statement at the KwaDukuza police station,” said Sing.
On August 3 the African National Congress candidate won Ward 1 with 1729 votes, against 385 for the Inkatha Freedom Party and 222 for the DA.
In the 2011 elections, the ANC won the ward with 1816 votes, compared to 100 for the IFP and 97 for the DA. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed that the case of electoral fraud had been opened.
“A case in terms of the Electoral Act is being investigated by KwaDukuza SAPS. We cannot reveal further information as the matter is still under investigation. No arrests have been made and investigations are continuing.” IEC national spokesperson Kate Baphela was unable to comment on the case.
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