The Democratic Alliance (DA) has opened a criminal case in terms of the Electoral Act, against the Patriotic Alliance (PA) candidate in the Kouga Municipality Ward 2 by-election.
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The case (Jeffreys Bay Cas 137/11/2025) was opened at the Jeffreys Bay police station today after it was previously confirmed that the PA candidate, Charlene Dicken, permanently resides in Wavecrest in Jeffreys Bay, which does not form part of Ward 2. Despite this she registered as a voter in Ward 2 and yesterday, voted during special voting day.
Registering in a ward where you do not reside is an offence under the Electoral Act. Voting in a ward where you are not entitled to vote is also an offence.
Under the Electoral Act, 73 of 1998:
- Section 7(3) read with Section 8(3) states a person’s name must be entered in the voters’ roll only for a voting district within the ward in which that person is ordinarily resident.
- Section 88(c) states that no person who is not entitled to vote in an election or at a voting station, may vote in that election or at that voting station
- Section 97 states that contravening Section 88(c) is an offense.
- Section 98(b) states an offence in terms of Section 88(c) is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.
Dicken’s residential status was flagged by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), after which a Ward 2 resident also submitted an objection to the IEC.
Dicken indicated that she resides at an address in Pellsrus, which falls in Ward 2, although it is widely known and confirmed that she permanently lives with her husband at an address in Ward 8.
Despite this objection, the IEC never verified her address, and she was not asked to show proof of residence. The IEC’s unwillingness to act against this unlawful action has left the DA with no choice but to open a criminal case.
We have enough prima facie evidence that an illegal act was committed, and we trust that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will thoroughly investigate the matter to ensure that justice prevails.
Residents cannot trust that a candidate or political party willing to lie or act unlawfully will have their best interests at heart.
Since taking over government in 2016 the DA has made massive progress in Kouga.
We will not allow those who have no qualms about acting unlawfully to pull the wool over our residents’ eyes and destabilise the municipality.