The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has dismissed allegations that ballot papers were stolen in Ward 19 in Rustenburg, following an incident involving an electoral official transporting ballot boxes after the conclusion of special voting.
The allegations surfaced after political party representatives allegedly confronted an IEC area manager who was travelling with ballot boxes in her vehicle. The representatives reportedly suspected that the official was stealing ballot papers after noticing the boxes inside the vehicle.
However, IEC Deputy Manager of Electoral Matters, Kim Christvelder, says the official was transporting ballot boxes used during home visits to the nearest voting station after completing the special voting process.
Christvelder explained that the boxes were empty and formed part of the commission’s arrangements for transporting electoral materials from home visits to designated voting stations.
She said the official was confronted by political party representatives while travelling from the voting station after completing her duties.
Christvelder confirmed that the police had been informed of the incident and that investigations were continuing.
She assured the public that the ballot papers were safe and that the commission had measures in place to safeguard electoral materials.
The IEC also indicated that political party representatives would be involved in the verification process to ensure transparency and provide clarity regarding the handling and security of electoral materials.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of electoral processes as the country conducts its local government elections.
The commission has maintained that the matter is receiving attention, with investigations ongoing.
