Police remove man from voting station
A man has been removed from the Retreat Civic Centre in Cape Town for “unruly” behavior, the IEC says
|||Cape Town - A man has been removed from the Retreat Civic Centre in Cape Town for “unruly” behavior, the IEC says.
As voting got underway on Wednesday morning, Western Cape IEC head Courtney Sampson confirmed that the man had been removed from the station after it was opened at 7am.
Sampson said IEC officials had responded to reports of an unruly member of the public.
“He was asked to leave by the presiding officer. When he refused, the police officer on duty escorted him out. He was not arrested,” he said.
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said: “A gentleman was asked to leave the Retreat Civic Centre pollling station by members of SAPS as he was regarded as causing a nuisance. No criminal case has been opened.”
Meanwhile in Athlone, residents said despite not seeing much improvement in their area, they still had hope their votes would bring change.
After 7am, residents lined up to make their mark at the Athlone Civic Centre and Bokmakierie Primary School.
“I didn't want to vote, because nothing has changed since the last time we voted.
“I just hope something will be better in this area. Gangsterism is rife and we battle unemployment,” resident Jeremy Lawrence said.
“A week or two before elections, we see faces from political parties. After elections, they are quiet,” he added.
Alison Franke said: “We have to vote. If we don’t vote, we can’t complain about the results. If we don’t vote, we can’t say we don’t have a say. Our people are suffering. I want to see someone do something for the coloured community.
Mayco member for social development and early childhood development Suzette Little, who was stationed at the polling station, said the DA looked to maintain its stronghold in the area and retain an over 90% majority.
The new Democratic Independent party (DI), who has also set up a base at the civic centre to canvass support, said it hoped to provide an alternative for frustrated members of the community.
Elections Bureau