Police arrested the suspects after they allegedly tried to vote more than once during the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. Nineteen suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal’s Danhauser, Port Shepstone and Hluhluwe, while the 20th suspect was arrested in Douglasdale in Gauteng.
The suspects face the charge of contravening Section 88 (d) of the Electoral Act 73/1998, whereby a person tries to cast more votes than they are entitled to.
In a separate matter, Arnold Mulaudzi, who was arrested on Tuesday night on charges of contravening Section 87(1)(a) par. 2 & 3 of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate Court on Thursday.
Mulaudzi has been released on R5,000 bail and is expected to reappear in court on 3 June to allow for further investigation.
These arrests are indicative that the security features employed by the Independent Electoral Commission to prevent double voting from taking place are effective, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence (NatJoints) said on Friday.
Spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the four layers of security the IEC has put in place are effectively implemented to protect the integrity of the election process.
“People bragging on social media about having cast double votes must realise that this is a transgression of the Electoral Act, if not fraud or both.
“We have also taken note of the various video clips and messages that have been posted on social media, most of which have been dealt with decisively,” Naidoo said.
In one case, IEC officials were immediately relieved of their duties after they were found working from the back of a bakkie, while some voting materials were found on the side of the street. NatJoints said the officials have been arrested and face criminal charges.
The results collation process is underway, with final results set to be announced on Saturday.
Naidoo said their focus will now turn to monitoring celebrations.
He urged everyone who will be engaging in celebrations to do so responsibly.
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