A criminal case under the Electoral Act has been opened by ACT against an ANC member who is also a senior official at the Ngwathe Local Municipality, and the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) preciding official at the Rebatla Thuto voting station.

This follows last week’s municipal by-election in Ngwathe’s Ward 16, Koppies.

“What we witnessed was not only concerning, but a direct attack on democracy,” said ACT’s secretary-general Ntando Ngoma-Mbutuma, describing the situation inside the Rebatla Thuto voting station as chaotic, ‘with disruption and aggressive interference’.

The party claims the IEC’s preciding official was being biased in favor of the ANC, and accusses the ANC of attempted voter rigging.

Ngoma-Mbutuma said ACT together with the MK, EFF and Labour Parties, believe that the individuals against whom charges were laid, played a role in what they allege to be fraudulant and corrupt conduct.

ACT confirmed the SAPS responded to their complaints, resulting in the temporary closure of the voting station for investigation, but they now call for the ANC to be disqualified from the by-election. The IEC on Friday confirmed the ANC retained its seat in the ward that it won in the 2021 municipal election with Motshidisi Martha Motsoeneng, elected as ward councillor. Mmathabo Rasengane, SAO for Communication and Stakeholder Liasion at the IEC also confirmed voter turnout was 56.74%.

Responding to ACT’s allegations, Rasengane confirmed that the IEC is investigating the matter. A statement will be issued by the IEC as soon as the investigation is complete, was said.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle on Monday also confirmed the case opened by ACT under the Electoral Act.