IEC officials attacked while transporting ballots in Mpumalanga
Police in Mpumalanga are investigating an attack on two officials of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Monday evening.
The two officials, a presiding officer and a deputy presiding officer, were transporting ballots when they were attacked.
Police Minister Bheki Cele identified Mpumalanga as one of the hot spots for political violence in the run-up to the local government elections.
Police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala says a group of community members waited for the officials after voting concluded on Monday evening.
“Their vehicles were blocked and in the process, the community members removed one full ballot box and one empty box from the IEC vehicle. A case has subsequently been opened in this regard. The investigation is ongoing. A team consisting of three major-generals and a brigadier was immediately sent to ensure that the matter receives the necessary attention,” says Mohlala.
Meanwhile, the commission has confirmed that the ballots were secure.
“The IEC can confirm that our officials from the Plaantjie Primary school in Bushbuckridge, ward 24 were ambushed late last night by unknown men. The officials managed to getaway. In fleeing the scene, equipment and ballot papers remained in the car,” it said.
“Fortunately, the ballot papers had been counted and the signed slip confirming this, was on the person of one of the officials when they fled the scene. The IEC is pleased that no one was harmed and that this act of criminality did not compromise the votes from ward 24.”
No arrests have been made.
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