Simmers takes PA to court over explosive ‘tik-for-votes’ allegations

DA leader Tertuis Simmers says he has submitted evidence to the High Court in the PA tik-for-votes claims.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers says he has submitted sworn affidavits and supporting material to the Western Cape High Court in response to the Patriotic Alliance's challenge to his allegations that the party bribed voters with tik and cash during three George by-elections earlier this year.

The PA won three by-elections in Conville, Rosemoor and Pacaltsdorp, has denied the allegations and demanded that Simmers provide evidence and a police case number or withdraw his remarks and apologise to the affected communities.

Simmers announced the filing of his responding papers on Thursday, maintaining that his concerns alleged vote-buying warranted investigation. He said the material could now be examined and challenged through the legal process.

Simmers made the allegations during a BizNews interview last month.

The dispute follows an ultimatum issued by the PA, which gave Simmers seven days to produce evidence and a police case number supporting his claims that the party gave tik and cash to voters in George in exchange for their votes, or withdraw his remarks and apologise to affected communities.

He said the concerns had previously been referred to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), but that he was not aware of any conclusive outcome communicated in respect of those referrals.

“These are serious matters that deserve proper scrutiny. Of particular concern are allegations involving vulnerable community members affected by tik addiction. No person struggling with addiction should ever be exploited for political purposes,” he said.

Simmers said he believed the South African Police Service (SAPS) should thoroughly and independently investigate any evidence of potential criminal conduct.

He said he stood by his decision to raise the concerns and place supporting material before the court.

“The evidence can now be examined and challenged through the proper legal process. The PA has every right to respond, and the court must determine the matters before it.

“You asked for evidence. I have submitted it. Now let the legal process take its course,” he said in Thursday’s statement.

PA leader Gayton McKenzie previously rejected the allegations and posted a video on social media, McKenzie saying: “Simmers thinks colored people cannot think for themselves” in response.

He also called Simmers a “vuilgat” and claimed that Simmers had stolen electricity in George, Western Cape.

The PA also described Simmers’ remarks as hearsay and said the MEC had made damaging claims against the political party and the working-class communities it serves.

The party also questioned whether Simmers had submitted photographs, video footage and information about alleged offences to the IEC and law enforcement authorities.

The PA demanded details of any police case, including the station where it was opened, the CAS number and date, as well as IEC reference numbers for complaints.

The PA further called on Simmers to withdraw his remarks and apologise to residents if he could not produce the evidence.

The party said it did not tolerate vote-buying by any political party or individual, including its own members, and would cooperate with investigations into any such allegations.