Ten people have appeared in the Douglas District Court in the Northern Cape on charges relating to the alleged damage and destruction of election material and the obstruction of Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officials during the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The 10 are charged with contravening sections 71(1) and 73(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000 relating to an incident that occurred at the voting district of Jabulani Community Hall, Ward 3 of the Siyancuma Local Municipality.
“The charges relate to the alleged destruction or damage of voting and election materials, as well as allegedly hindering or obstructing IEC officials in the exercise of their powers and the performance of their duties.
“According to the allegations, the accused unlawfully entered a voting station after it had been declared closed, while preparations for the counting of votes were underway or while counting was in progress.
“It is alleged that they were not authorised to be inside the voting station as they were not accredited party agents. They allegedly damaged ballot boxes, ballot booths, ballot papers, tables and chairs inside the voting station,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated.
The IEC has since ordered a revote at the voting station where the incident occurred.
The ten accused appeared in the court for the start of bail proceedings which were not completed.
They are expected to reappear in the court today.
One of the accused is also facing a separate charge of contravening section 73(2) of the same Act in connection with an alleged incident at another voting station, registered under a separate police case number.
“The NPA takes allegations of interference with electoral processes seriously. The integrity of elections and the ability of electoral officials to perform their duties without unlawful interference are fundamental to our constitutional democracy.
“Those accused of undermining the lawful administration of elections must be dealt with in accordance with the law, while their right to a fair trial remains protected,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
