The man, who is believed to be an ANC activist, used an iron bar to vandalise DA posters.
”The man is still behind bars after local DA activist Joseph Ngwenya, who witnessed the incident, opened a case at the police station,” says DA Gauteng Provincial leader, John Moodey.
Moodey explains it is a criminal offence in terms of section 92 of the Electoral Act to deface or unlawfully remove any billboard, placard or poster published by a registered party during the election period.
A person found guilty of removing or destroying election posters can be fined or imprisoned for up to five years.
“The DA welcomes the speedy action of the police in arresting the man and we hope that the case will be finalised with urgency. We also commend the sterling work done by local Clr Nomsa Dube and the DA activists in connection with this case,” says Moodey.
”We hope that tougher sanction will be imposed against the man responsible for this. This should send out a strong message that any attacks on the freeness and fairness of this election will not be tolerated.”
The DA also calls on other political parties to educate their activists, members and candidates on the provisions of the Electoral Act and the conduct stipulated in the Electoral Code.
