Jones Qhobosheane confirmed at a media briefing by provincial management at the Metpol Building on April 8, that they are investigating the instances reported. He, however, refrained from shedding light on any specific details, like which political parties were involved and on what date the alleged fights occurred.

The Independent Electorate Commission of South Africa (IEC) on Tuesday informed media they haven’t received any objections regarding parties’ candidates list in the Free State, but noted there was a complaint received regarding the disruption of a party event, by an opposing political party in Section F, in Botshabelo nearly two weeks ago. IEC Provincial Manager in the province, Itumeleng Liba, says the matter was received and noted to the satisfaction of the complainant.

“We said to the leadership of the other political party that there is this complaint against you and you are requested to stop that behaviour,” explains Liba. The IEC provincial manager says he is not aware if a case has been opened with local police on the matter seeing as they had already stepped in to resolve the matter.

IEC Project Manager in the province, Teboho Nathane, stresses that the parties are bound to the code of conduct as it is “the law”. He said this mere days before Friday 12 April, when all the parties in the province sign the IEC code of conduct.

“The contravention of the code can be prosecuted,” warns the manager. Nathane encourages members of the public to approach the local police within the election year, should they see anyone committing election-related offences.

Police in the Free State will be increasing their visibility over the election period to ensure that order is maintained. Acting Provincial Commissioner, Sello Lesia, said “our forces will be deployed through 110 police stations to police the elections both static and mobile in all 1529 polling stations”. He issued a stern warning to the public regarding election-related offences, adding that anyone found defacing political party posters or intimidating members of the public will “face the full might of the law”, stresses Lesia.

OFM News/Olebogeng Motse and Katleho Morapela