A total of 3,717 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at Bathabile and Ntataise Primary Schools in Kanana, Orkney, as political parties make a final push to secure the vacant seat.

Councillor Molefi Sello was brutally killed in Klerksdorp on Friday, 13 February. He was found with a stab wound to his upper body in Voortrekker Street in the CBD. He was declared dead when paramedics arrived on the scene. 

The late councillor was laid to rest during a special civic funeral at the old Kanana cemetery on Saturday, 21 February.

Meanwhile, his alleged murderer, Thapelo Apache Thejane, 35, is expected to apply for bail at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Friday (15/5).

The IEC in North West previously confirmed the by-election would proceed after Sello’s death left the ward without representation. “In terms of the law, the election must be held within 90 days of the declaration,” said IEC provincial manager Bonolo Modise.

Three political parties, namely the ANC, EFF and PA, are contesting the seat in what has become one of the most closely watched by-elections in the province. The ANC has fielded Lehlonolo Fortunate Mahogen as its candidate. The EFF nominated Mojaki Victor Mohapi while Nkosana David Siwiza is the PA’s candidate.

Members of the PA outside ward 20 voting station in Matlosana. Photo: Lucky Nkunyane

The ANC has deployed several senior leaders to campaign, including ANC provincial chairperson Nono Maloyi and the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Oageng Molapisi.

Members of the ANC outside ward 20 voting station in Matlosana. Photo: Lucky Nkunyane

The PA previously brought in its deputy president Kenny Kunene to rally support, while the EFF deployed provincial secretary Papiki Babuile and MP Sharon Letlape on Friday.

The ANC controls the 77-seat Matlosana municipal council with 40 councillors. The DA has 16 seats, the EFF nine, VF Plus seven, F4SD two, the PA two and the ACDP one.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi   cvdw

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