A video surfaced showing ballot papers and election materials stored at a Hammarsdale library in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, causing an uproar and allegations of sabotage.
Watch: Ballot papers mysteriously turn up at Hammarsdale library
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
The footage, shared widely on social media, captured the planned logistical arrangements for election materials and raised concerns about their security.
According to the accompanying WhatsApp messages, a driver reported that the materials were delivered without an invoice and were not signed for upon receipt at the library.
The messages indicated that the police were informed of the delivery after hours, and the materials were supposed to be returned to the warehouse.
The messages suggested that there was an attempt to keep the materials from being opened and inspected, which fuelled suspicions of foul play.
What the IEC said about the incident
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) swiftly responded to the allegations of sabotage regarding the Hammarsdale library incident.
In an official statement, the IEC clarified the situation and outlined the measures taken to address the concerns raised by the video.
The IEC confirmed that the election materials were part of the logistical arrangements for the upcoming elections.
They explained that the delivery to the Hammarsdale library was a standard procedure and that the materials were intended for secure storage before being transported to the voting stations.
The IEC acknowledged the issues highlighted in the WhatsApp messages, including the lack of an invoice and the timing of the police response, but assured the public that these issues were being thoroughly investigated.
“The security provided was sufficient per plan but not aligned to a politically motivated group invasion,” the IEC said.
To mitigate any potential risks, the IEC stated that additional security measures had been implemented.
These included increased police presence and surveillance at storage sites and during the transportation of election materials.
“At the voting station ballots and all election material will still be opened in the presence of party agents, observers and media,” the IEC added.