Cape Town — Police in the Free State are currently investigating a video circulating on social media of an elderly woman trying to remove an African National Congress (ANC) election poster from a tree.
The incident was reported to have taken place in Sasolburg and police noted that, a case in terms of Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998, prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of a poster published by a registered party, and the case was registered at Sasolburg SAPS, a SAPS statement said.
“It need to be emphasised that removal of election posters is illegal and can be considered vandalism or tampering with campaign materials. It’s essential to respect the democratic process and allow political parties and candidates to display their materials as permitted by law.” police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, said.
“Let us remember that, respecting the electoral process and political expression is crucial for a healthy democracy.” he added.
Makhele said the investigation into the matter is continuing and after all relevant statements are obtained, the matter will be placed before the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who can decide whether to prosecute or not.
#sapsFS Free State SAPS is aware of a video making rounds showing an elderly woman busy tempering with election posters, an incident which is reported to have taken place in the vicinity of Sasolburg. As a result, a case in terms of Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998, which prohibit… pic.twitter.com/eZExuRTpSx
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 16, 2024
In the video, the elderly woman is shown walking along the street and using her crutch to knock an ANC poster off a tree. The man filiming her threatened to report her for defacing the poster. He asked her why she was doing it and in response, she said: “The ANC is rubbish.”
According to The Citizen, parties have specific rules to adhere to in certain metros. In Cape Town, one poster per street light is allowed, with no posters allowed on traffic lights, electrical boxes, road signs, walls, trees, rocks or natural features.
While Ekurhuleni has the same allocation for street lights, but must be done with a suitable cord rather than metal clamps or wire.
ANC in Fezile Dabi region calls on immidiate arrest of Gogo, who was seen on trending video removing ANC Posters in Sasolburg. Video: Supplied pic.twitter.com/cxkX8H299y
— Joseph Mokoaledi (@JosephMoko25178) May 16, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
