The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has launched an investigation into reports of ballot box tampering in Mpumalanga.
IEC probing alleged ballot box tampering in Mpumalanga
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The incidents occurred in the Steve Tshwete and Chief Albert Luthuli Municipalities.
According to Thanduxolo Chembeni of the Mpumalanga IEC, despite the tampering, the special vote ballots will still be counted.
The tampering was detected by election officials and promptly reported to the presiding officer at the affected voting stations.
The officers documented the incidents, noting the time, location, and specific nature of the tampering. Steps were immediately taken to secure the scene and prevent further tampering.
The affected ballot boxes were removed from public areas and placed under supervision.
Authorities, including local and regional IEC offices and law enforcement agencies, were informed to investigate any potential criminal activity.
The presiding officer, along with party agents and observers, inspected the ballot boxes to assess the extent of the tampering.
They verified the contents against records of issued ballot papers, checking the number of ballots to ensure they matched the documented issuance.
SA elections 2024: Incidents of tampering reported so far
In addition to the incidents in Mpumalanga, there have been other reports of tampering and interference during the election process.
In Hammarsdale, west of Durban, members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party were accused of illegally interfering with IEC operations at a warehouse.
Videos circulating on social media showed MK members alleging irregularities in the delivery of voting materials.
Shiburi condemned the actions of the MK members, who reportedly took over the warehouse, detained IEC staff, and spread false claims about pre-marked ballot boxes.
He clarified that the boxes were correctly marked with details of the voting stations and that standard verifications are conducted before any voting station opens.
Shiburi stressed that the IEC would take legal action against those responsible for interfering with electoral operations.
As investigations continue, the IEC encourages anyone with information about tampering or irregularities to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The public can report such information via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app.
