Violence and allegations mar Bergrivier Municipality's ward 6 by-election
Ward 6 by-election in Bergrivier Municipality marred by controversy and accusations of misconduct.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers
A by-election in Ward 6 of Bergrivier Municipality has become tense due to serious allegations of electoral interference and violence, prompting the ANC, EFF, and PA to call for the DA's disqualification.
The by-election in Velddrif’s Noordhoek area and nearby farming communities, was triggered by the resignation of a DA councillor amid racism allegations within the party.
On Tuesday evening, shortly after the Noordhoek Community Hall voting station had closed at 5pm, members of the EFF, ANC, and PA said they witnessed the Speaker of the Bergrivier Municipality, Randall Swarts, – a DA member – unlawfully entering the premises where the IEC voting station had been set up.
According to the EFF’s sub-regional secretary, Chadrick Fortuin, the Speaker was confronted by members of the three parties, who accused him of attempting to interfere with ballot materials.
Fortuin further alleges that during the confrontation, the Speaker attempted to run over an EFF member with his vehicle.
“This is not just a violation of electoral procedures, it is an attempted murder,” Fortuin said.
“He entered the voting station after hours, without permission, and when challenged, he used his car as a weapon.”
All three parties – the EFF, ANC and PA – have laid criminal charges, including attempted murder and a breach of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, arguing that the Speaker unlawfully entered a restricted area.
They have demanded that the DA be disqualified from the by-election, warning that they will not recognise the outcome should the party be allowed to remain on the ballot.
Bergrivier Municiplaity Speaker Randall Swarts accused of running someone over with his car, during an altercation.
Image: Supplied
In response, the DA has rejected the allegations outright.
“The DA operates within the law when it comes to elections. No illegal activity took place,” the party said in a statement.
“We have full faith in the IEC’s processes, and if any party believes a transgression occurred, it should be reported through the proper channels.”
The party added that it was focused on retaining the ward and backing “an incredibly talented young man” to represent the voters of Ward 6.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirmed that a criminal case has been opened.
“Laaiplek police registered an attempted murder case for investigation following an incident on July 22 in Noordhoek, Laaiplek. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made.”
The IEC said everything had been removed at the time of the squabble.
"It has nothing to do with stolen ballots, they were taken around 5pm and the confrontation happened around 8pm when the Speaker tried to access the hall," spokesperson Michael Hendrickse said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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