By OBAKENG MAJE

4 November 2026 – North West Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy Provincial Secretary, Justice Dabampe, has been arrested and charged with contravening the Electoral Act and intimidation following an incident at a voting station in Utlwanang Township, Christiana.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, 2 November 2026, when Dabampe allegedly entered the voting station accompanied by a group of people who were taking photographs and recording videos of him while he was casting his vote.

North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, confirmed that police are investigating a case of contravention of the Electoral Act and intimidation following a complaint reported at the voting station.

Myburgh said a 39-year-old female presiding officer, who was on duty at the voting station, alleged that approximately 10 to 15 people arrived, some of whom were wearing T-shirts bearing the regalia of a political party.

“One of the individuals was reportedly carrying a camera, while others were recording a male who had arrived to cast his vote. The presiding officer questioned whether the individuals had the necessary accreditation to take photographs and videos at the voting station.

“In response, the male, who was accompanying the individual with the camera, allegedly stated that he was his photographer. He further threatened to destroy ballot papers inside the voting station if he was not allowed to cast his vote,” Myburgh said.

She added that IEC officials eventually allowed the man to cast his vote while videos were being recorded.

A case of contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 and intimidation was subsequently opened for investigation.

“A 29-year-old male suspect was arrested and briefly appeared before the Christiana Magistrates’ Court. He was granted bail of R500, and the case was postponed to 12 November 2026. Investigations are ongoing.

“The police urge members of the public and political party supporters to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct and allow the electoral process to unfold in a free and fair manner,” Myburgh said.

Meanwhile, IEC North West Provincial Electoral Commissioner Bonolo Modise confirmed that the commission was aware of the incident.

Modise explained that anyone entering a voting station must conduct themselves in accordance with the presiding officer’s instructions and obtain permission before undertaking any activity inside the voting station.

“You cannot simply walk into a voting station and do as you please. People should remember that the voting station is under the authority of the presiding officer.

“The presiding officer requested Dabampe to refrain from taking photographs or recording himself, but he refused to comply. As a result, the presiding officer requested assistance from police officers who were on duty at the time,” Modise said.

He emphasised that the IEC would not tolerate incidents that could disrupt other voters or interfere with their constitutional right to cast their votes.

Modise further indicated that the commission had not experienced any major challenges during the voting process.

He said all voting stations had opened on time, with no reports of disruptions.

“We hope the situation remains calm until the voting stations close, after which the counting of ballots will commence,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com