Tensions erupt amid allegations of vote rigging in Mandeni Ward 18 by-election

THE hotly contested by-election in Ward 18, Mandeni, was marred by allegations of vote rigging, which led to disruptions at polling stations on Wednesday, with the ANC and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) trading accusations.

Tensions flared at the Msunduzi under Mandeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal after MKP members claimed they apprehended an individual attempting to steal a voting scanner belonging to the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). 

The incident triggered a heated confrontation between the MKP and ANC members on the ground.

In a statement, the ANC's General Gizenga Mpanza region, which includes Mandeni, alleged that the supposed perpetrator who was caught with the scanner was affiliated to the MKP. 

However, this claim could not be independently verified by the Daily News.

"The incident occurred when MKP members entered the marquee (used as a) voting station, (which was) set up on a sports field," the ANC's statement read.

"As they exited, one member was caught with an IEC scanner. Authorities were immediately notified."

The by-election was always expected to be a high-stakes political battleground. The MKP, buoyed by recent victories in Richmond, KwaDukuza, and Ward 110 in eThekwini, aimed to wrestle another ward from the ANC.

Ward 18 was previously held by the ANC until the passing of councillor Phendukani Mabhida earlier this year. 

Candidates in the by-election included Sanele Khulekani Mathonsi (ANC), Nkosiyapha Wiseman Zulu (IFP), Mthokozisi Mathunjwa (EFF), and Lindani Xhakaza (MKP).

In the run-up to voting, political parties launched aggressive campaigns to win over voters. 

The MKP’s head of elections, Bongani Baloyi, campaigned alongside deputy leader John Hlophe on Tuesday. The IFP mobilised its top leadership, including party president Velenkosini Hlabisa and KZN chairperson Thamsanqa Ntuli, who addressed a rally at the Msunduzi Sportsground.

Determined to retain control, the ANC also engaged in a full-scale effort to counter its opponents' momentum.

Election results were expected in the early hours of Thursday. Efforts to obtain comment from IEC KZN spokesperson Thabani Ngwira were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.

The story will be updated once responses from the IEC and MKP come to hand.

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