An elderly woman is out on a warning after being arrested for unlawfully removing ANC campaign posters in Sasolburg in the Vaal Triangle.

The woman (63) appeared in court following her arrest earlier on Thursday (16/5) where her case was postponed to Wednesday (22/5). She was charged under the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, which prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a registered party.

OFM News earlier reported that the ANC in the Fezile Dabi District took a strong stand against what it considers a “blatant act of sabotage” against its election campaign. Regional party spokesperson Sello Pietersen confirmed a case was opened against the perpetrator.

“By law, the removal of election posters is illegal and can be considered vandalism or tampering with campaign materials,” said Free State police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele. “It is essential to respect the democratic process and allow political parties and candidates to display their materials as permitted by law.”

He added that the investigation is ongoing. She was released after a police warning and warned to again appear in court on 22 May 2024.

Meanwhile, Pietersen reiterated that the ANC is not deterred by such desperate acts of sabotage, and considers it a sign of the party’s strength and the fear it instils in its political opponents.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg