IEC members ambushed in Mpumalanga after elections, votes secure

The ballot papers had been counted before the attack so the votes were not compromised.

The electoral commission has announced that 72,092 citizens will vote outside the country at 111 foreign missions.
The electoral commission has announced that 72,092 citizens will vote outside the country at 111 foreign missions. (BLOOMBERG/WALDO SWIEGERS)

Members of the Electoral Commission (IEC) were ambushed by unknown men in Mpumalanga on Monday night.

According to the IEC, the officials were at Plaatjie Primary School in Bushbuckridge, in ward 24, when they were ambushed.

The officials managed to flee the scene but their equipment and ballot papers remained in the car, which was abandoned.

The IEC said: “The ballot papers had been counted and the signed slip confirming this  was on the person of one of the officials when they fled the scene.

“The IEC is pleased no-one was harmed and that this act of criminality did not compromise the votes from ward 24.

“We hope the suspects are found and face the full might of the law. Counselling for our officials will be arranged.”

TimesLIVE

  • It’s never been as important to be in the know as it is now. Subscribe to Sunday Times today and get 50% off. Click here to subscribe. 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Comment icon