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Eastern Cape voting runs mostly smoothly despite isolated incidents

Published

A 54-year-old woman was arrested in Mnquma for allegedly sharing a voice note that threatened violence and urged residents not to vote. Residents also blocked a voting station in Dutywa, and muddy roads hampered access near Bizana.

Police said the woman, who is 54, circulated the voice note in Ward 22 of the Mnquma Local Municipality. Police said she threatened violence and discouraged residents from voting because of poor service delivery.

Provincial Police Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata said the situation at the Dutywa voting station was under control. He said the station had reopened.

The Electoral Commission and police said they remain on high alert. They said they want voting to stay peaceful and uninterrupted.

Key facts

Who
Vuyisile Ncata (Provincial Police Commissioner); Electoral Commission (Election management body; says it remains on high alert); Nandipha Plaatjie (Reporter)
What
The Eastern Cape voting process has mostly run smoothly, despite isolated incidents including a woman's arrest for allegedly circulating a threatening voice note, residents blocking a voting station in Dutywa, and access problems from muddy roads near Bizana. The IEC and police say they remain on high alert.
When
4 November 2026
Where
Eastern Cape, Ntshutshwini Village, Mnquma Local Municipality
Status
Reported

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