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IEC opens theft case after ballot papers stolen near Durban

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

Unmarked, unused ballot papers were stolen from a voting station at Mnyameni Secondary School in Kwanyuswa, Botha's Hill, during the 2026 local government elections. The Electoral Commission said staff at the station were relieved of duty.

IEC deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi said the station was used for ballot validation in ward 2 of eThekwini. He spoke at a media briefing on Wednesday. A case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Sheburi also gave figures for KwaZulu-Natal. The province has 5,028 voting stations and 6,022,350 registered voters. The IEC said opening was delayed at 50 stations in Ndwedwe because of logistical problems, and at 3 stations in Umzumbe because roads were inaccessible.

By the close of special voting on Tuesday, 234,297 of 362,878 approved special voters in the province had cast ballots. The IEC put turnout at 65%. Of these votes, 110,767 were cast through home visits and 123,530 at voting stations.

Key facts

Who
Masego Sheburi (IEC deputy chief electoral officer); Electoral Commission of South Africa (election management body that opened the theft case); South African Police Service (police, case opened with them); Robert Netshiunda (Police spokesperson, Colonel)
What
IEC deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi said unmarked, unused ballot papers were stolen from a voting station used for ballot validation in ward 2 of eThekwini, KZN, during the 2026 local government elections. A case has been opened with SAPS and staff at the station were relieved of duty.
When
4 November 2026
Where
Kwanyuswa, Botha's Hill, Durban, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal…, Hillcrest, Durban
Status
Reported

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