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Local elections hit by disruptions at polling stations

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

Police went to a Midrand polling station over a suspected fake ID on Wednesday, one of several incidents during the local government elections. Voters also faced long queues, moved stations and turn-aways in Cape Town.

A police sergeant in Donnybrook was removed from duty after he allegedly arrived at a voting station in a vehicle with party posters. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the removal was a precaution while internal disciplinary action was considered. In Umlazi, police arrested a suspect for assault after he allegedly attacked officers who tried to control him.

In Cape Town, voters were turned away over party clothing and damaged IDs. Zuko Jada, 42, was sent away from Mvula Primary School in Nyanga for wearing an ANC T-shirt. ANC member George Mqokolo said two people in ANC shirts were turned away, and argued that the party agents' manual did not ban party clothing.

Voters also faced long waits and moved stations. Daniel Motlhanke said he waited more than two hours at Kanana Primary School in Midrand, where some people arrived at 5am and the station opened at 8am. Nompumelelo Mosibudi waited three hours before she learnt her station had moved 15km.

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi said longer distances and queues at redirected stations could discourage people from voting. Actor Tumisho Masha faces possible charges after he allegedly posted a photo of his marked ballot.

Key facts

Who
Daniel Motlhanke (voter who waited more than two hours at Kanana Primary School, Midrand); Robert Netshiunda (police spokesperson (Col)); Phumelele Makoba (acting provincial commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal police (Maj-Gen)); Zuko Jada (voter turned away from Mvula Primary School in Nyanga for wearing an ANC T-shirt)
What
Election-day reports describe disruptions at several polling stations: a suspected fake ID in Midrand, a police sergeant removed from duty in Donnybrook for allegedly arriving in a party-branded vehicle, an arrest for assault in Umlazi, voters turned away over party clothing and damaged IDs in Cape Town, and long queues and relocated stations. An actor faces possible charges for allegedly…
When
4 November 2026
Where
Midrand, Donnybrook, Mphithini
Status
Reported

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