Danfrid Morolong, Bennert Hendricks, Abrich Niewenhuizen, Velaphi Makabe, Tevin Katz, Godwin Leukes, Zenobia Smit, Jennifer Lovern, Elemery Jacobs and Douglas Njiji made a brief appearance in the Douglas District Court on Monday. They face charges relating to the alleged destruction of election material and obstruction of IEC officials during the local government elections.

Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said they are charged with contravening sections 71(1) and 73(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000. 

The charges relate to the alleged destruction or damage of voting and election materials, as well as allegedly hindering or obstructing IEC officials in the exercise of their powers and the performance of their duties.

“According to the allegations, the accused unlawfully entered a voting station after it had been declared closed, while preparations for the counting of votes were underway or while counting was in progress.

“It is alleged that they were not authorised to be inside the voting station as they were not accredited party agents. They allegedly damaged ballot boxes, ballot booths, ballot papers, tables, and chairs inside the voting station.”

Morolong is also facing a separate charge of contravening section 73(2) of the same act in connection with an alleged incident at another voting station, registered under a separate police case number, said Senokoatsane.

“The NPA takes allegations of interference with electoral processes seriously. The integrity of elections and the ability of electoral officials to perform their duties without unlawful interference are fundamental to our constitutional democracy.”

Those accused of undermining the lawful administration of elections must be dealt with in accordance with the law, while their right to a fair trial remains protected, Senokoatsane said.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs

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