Johnathan Paoli
THE EFF has condemned the removal of its campaign posters by individuals it claims sought to undermine its movement.
EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys issued a statement on Friday saying two individuals were apprehended in Ward 62 of Atteridgeville, in the act of removing EFF posters, and they have been handed over to the police and a case has been opened.
“This despicable act is a clear attempt to stifle the voice of the people and suppress the message of economic freedom and social justice that the EFF stands for,” said `Mathys.
“We will, therefore, spare no effort in uncovering the culprits behind this attack on our democratic rights, which is not the first incident of this manner”.
Mathys described the removal of EFF posters as a testament to the fear instilled by the growing influence of her party and the imminent threat they posed to the vested interests of their detractors.
She called on all fighters to remain vigilant and report any incidents of poster removal to the authorities immediately and to remain steadfast in the face of intimidation and attempts to silence our voice.
“The EFF is here to stay, and we will not be deterred in our mission to bring about economic freedom in our lifetime,” she said while calling on party supporters to exercise their democratic right to vote on the 29 May and vote for the EFF, because it represents their interests and aspirations.
“Let us not be swayed by external forces or parties seeking to undermine our democracy,” Mathys said.
Last month, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in the North West also complained about the removal of its election posters in the Ngaka Modiri Molema region.
Provincial leader Thembe Gwabeni reported that they have taken legal action by filing a criminal case with the police regarding these incidents.
“We have observed the removal of our posters across the entire province. Specifically in Ngaka, we’ve seen this happening in Khunwana, Atamelang, Setlopo, and Majemantsho. The situation in Majemantsho was particularly severe, leading us to report the matter to the South African police,” Gwabeni said.
According to section 92 of the Electoral Act, it is a criminal offence to deface or unlawfully remove any billboard, placard or poster published by a registered party or candidate.
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