The Democratic Alliance (DA) has complained that one of its councilors was held at gunpoint and the party’s posters stolen in the Eastern Cape.
Commenting on the alleged attack on Sunday, DA Member of Parliament Andrew Whitfield said the incident was witnessed by local residents.
“On Friday, 1 October 2021, DA Nelson Mandela Bay Cllr Duncan Monks was held up at gunpoint while flighting DA posters in New Brighton, by criminals who are allegedly linked to the ANC [African National Congress],” said Whitfield.
He said Monks has opened a case of attempted robbery and intimidation with a firearm at the New Brighton police station.
“In his statement and the statements made by witnesses, possible links have been made to those believed to be involved in the crime and members of the ANC,” said Whitfield, who is also the DA’s Eastern Cape provincial chairperson.
“What is most alarming is that after escaping and while on his way to the police station, Cllr Monks alleges that he was followed by the ANC Ward 15 councillor.”
In another incident, the DA accused an ANC activist of removing its posters in Ward 58 in Gxara Street.
Whitfield said his party has a voice recording which clearly states that because the ANC does not have poster boards they have stolen DA posters.
Campaigning for the 1 November local government elections is hotting up and allegations of electoral misconduct are on the rise.
Complaints relating to alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct must be submitted to the Electoral Court or the Directorate for Electoral Offences.
Whitfield said this was a matter of serious electoral misconduct which could lead to the disqualification of the ANC candidate.
“We believe that this level of criminality and intolerance demonstrates the desperation of the ANC in the run-up to the 2021 local government elections,” said Whitfield.
“The ANC has proven that they are a party of chaos and violence where political intimidation and intolerance have become par for the course.
“We will not stand back and allow this kind of criminality to take over our Metro. This is the kind of chaotic and violent behaviour that residents can expect from the ANC should they return to City Hall.
“We urge the police to act with speed and arrest those alleged to be involved.
“If they are found guilty, they must face the full might of the law. We will also be laying a criminal charge with the SAPS and lodging a complaint with the IEC regarding the theft of posters.”
The ANC has not commented on the accusations.
