EFF mayoral candidate faces electoral intimidation charges
Justice Dabampe is expected back in court next week as investigations into the Christiana voting station incident continue.
Lekwa-Teemane, a member of the University of South Africa's (Unisa) council and the EFF's mayoral candidate for the upcoming 2026 local government elections, has been arrested. Dabampe, who is also the deputy provincial secretary for North West and a member of the provincial legislature, appeared in Christiana Magistrate's Court on Monday and was released on R500 police bail.
The charges against him include intimidation of electoral officials and contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, following an incident at a voting station in Christiana. A presiding officer at the station alleged that a group, including some wearing T-shirts with the insignia of a political party, gathered, with one person allegedly carrying a camera and recording a male who arrived to vote.
The presiding officer questioned their accreditation to take photos and videos inside the voting station. Dabampe, who is also the Unisa convocation president, did not respond to requests for comment and referred inquiries to Unisa. Unisa's spokesperson, Boitumelo Senokoane, confirmed he was on holiday and would address matters upon his return.
North West police spokesperson Colonel Adèle Myburgh is investigating the incident and warned party supporters to respect the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure the electoral process unfolds freely and fairly.
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