IEC awaits SAPS probe into Mnyameni ballot box theft

IEC Provincial Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is awaiting the outcome of a police investigation into the theft of a ballot box and security pack at Mnyameni Secondary School in KwaNyuswa, under the eThekwini Metro.

The ballot box was stolen on Tuesday during special voting, prompting delays at the voting station as the commission had to print a replacement copy of the voters' roll on Wednesday morning.

Speaking during a media briefing, IEC provincial representative Ntombifuthi Masinga said SAPS had already started investigating the incident, with the commission awaiting the findings to determine whether further action was necessary.

Masinga said there were two separate processes arising from the incident: a criminal investigation by SAPS and an electoral process relating to a possible violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

She said the outcome of the police investigation would help the commission determine whether to approach the Electoral Court for a ruling on possible penalties under the Electoral Act.

“We will have an interest in knowing what comes out of that investigation because there are two processes involved here,” Masinga said.

She said the commission would consider submitting a request to the Electoral Court, depending on the findings of the investigation.

The IEC previously confirmed that the theft had not affected the availability of Election Day ballot papers or security material, as sufficient replacement material was available.