Six suspects, aged between 24 and 51, were taken into custody at Mavundleni municipality in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, on Tuesday and early on Wednesday on charges of violating the Electoral Act.
According to the police, the accused demolished a voting station at about 4pm on Sunday after complaining about a lack of service delivery in the region.
A complaint was filed, and on Monday, the same group of people threatened Independent Electoral Commission officials (IEC).
The IEC officials were on duty when the group told them that they would close the voting station and that no one would cast their ballots in the area.
Contravention of the Electoral Act
The police further revealed that on Tuesday, the same group set up an illegal roadblock, burned tyres, and prevented any movement in the area.
“The OR Tambo district detective election team, assisted by public order policing members, conducted an operation on Tuesday and arrested six suspects,” said Captain Welle Matyolo.
Matyolo said the suspects were charged with contravention of the Electoral Act.
“They have been detained at Mqanduli police station and will appear at the Mganduli magistrate’s court on Friday, June 1, 2024.”
Meanwhile, at least four other suspects have been arrested in the North West.
The group was nabbed on Tuesday after it caused chaos during the casting of special votes held on Monday and Tuesday.
Hiccups reported in the North West
Sabata Mokgwabone, the police spokesperson in the North West, stated that while the voting process was generally in order, there were some hiccups.
He said the suspects broke into a voting station and demanded that an IEC officer be removed from the venue.
“In Shaleng village, officials encountered an issue when the gate of a voting station was welded shut, preventing access. Those involved are expected to appear in court on Thursday,” said Mokgwabone.
“The only thing we want from voters is that they arrive at voting locations on time. They must avoid going to the stations an hour before closing.
“They must examine the dangers involved with elections and the many means of transportation that they might use.”
