North West Premier Thandi Modise condemns damaging of election material
North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned the damaging of election material alleged to have occurred in Taung during the final voter registration over the weekend. Seven people arrested in connection with the incident are due to appear in the Taung Magistrates Court today.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible disruption of election processes and acts of violence during voter registration as they undermines our hard won democracy and the right of citizens to exercise their right to vote in a safe and peaceful environment, without intimidation .These should be stamped out and those responsible dealt harshly by the law,” Premier Modise stressed.
Modise called for an investigation as to why the disruptors were not immediately arrested at the scene of the alleged incident.
According to police, the group of three women and four men aged between 20 and 33 allegedly forced entry into a voter registration station at Itlameleng Primary School on Saturday around 7h40 and demanded registration from Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials.
“They allegedly removed IEC banners from the school fence and set them alight before fleeing the scene,” said Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.
Damaging election material is prohibited in terms of Section (1) (c) of the Electoral Act of 1998.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Cell: 083 629 1987
Tel: 018 388 3705
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
