The IFP feels vindicated following the successful prosecution of Nomsa Precious Gabuza by the uMlazi Magistrates’ Court, following her arrest last year in connection with vote-rigging. Gabuza (37), pleaded guilty of contravening the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act of 2000. Gabuza was sentenced to correctional supervision and four years imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years.
At a time of her arrest, Gabuza, was an educator at Kusakusa Primary School in Mbumbulu, Durban, which was used as a Voting Station during the Local Government Elections in October 2021.
She pleaded guilty of stuffing a ballot box with marked ballot papers.
The chickens have come home to roost, for the IFP has, in the past, reported vote-rigging by teachers employed by the IEC as presiding officers. We have also reported cases where voters have reportedly casted multiple votes in exchange for RDP houses and food parcels. Some were allegedly transported to vote in wards where they are not registered.
We call upon IEC to conduct a transparent and fair practice in the employment of its officials. This should also serve as a stern warning to teachers, to desist colluding with politicians and compromising their jobs in the process.
We commend the NPA for a successful prosecution with the hope that other educators will learn from this incident.
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Contact
Hon. Thembeni Kamadlopha-mthethwa
IFP Spokesperson for Education Portfolio Committee in KZN Legislature
071 884 3844
