Tshabala rubbish votes buying allegations

ANC Chiefwhip in the Free State Vusimusi Tshabalala during a door to door campaign in Maluti A Phofung Municipality QwaQwa: Image supplied.

QwaQwa: African National Congress Chiefwhip in the Free State Legislature Vusimusi William Tshabalala, has strongly rubbished allegations that he has utilized money and food parcels to buy votes in the Maluti A phofung by-elections campaign.

On Tuesday this week Democratic Alliance, accused Tshabalala of electoral fraud, this accusations came after social media users circulate the images where Tshabalala he is seen handing out food parcels, blankets and R200 note to disadvantage family during his door to door campaign in Ward 16 Turfontein location in QwaQwa.

According to Democratic Alliance the images demonstrate efforts to acquire votes and as result of what it label as electoral fraud.

The party indicated that it has lodged a complaint with the IEC regarding the electoral fraud, in-terms of  sections 87 (undue influence).97 (offences) and 98(penalties) of electoral Act 73 of 1998”.

However when asked by The Insider reporter about the allegations, Tshabalala said they are malicious and nonsensical.

“Since when the act of generosity amount to buying of votes?, he asked “the family has lost everything and literally everything, they pleaded help when i arrive and i could not say NO it’s by-elections, i will help you after elections.”

“The African National Congress (ANC) is the organization that cares for the society and it would have been insensitive, inhuman and unbecoming of a leader of the ANC to simply walk away in such disturbing living conditions, something which does not resonate with the DA.”

Tshabalala added that allegations from DA is nothing, but a desperate attempt to distract the well coordinated campaign of the ANC to reclaim it’s strong hold in the Province.

“I wish to make it clear that my gesture did not in any way infringe on clause 9 (2) a (iii) of schedule 2 of the electoral Act and that of the Electoral commission of  SA (IEC) code of conduct which prohibits the use of financial inducement for a vote” Said Tshabalala

Meanwhile Independent electoral commission (IEC) in the free state has dismissed DA’s claims, saying the investigation has revealed that electoral fraud was not committed, when Tshabala was conducting door to door in ward 16.

Speaking to The Insider reporter IEC spokesperson Itumeleng Leba, confirmed that the commission received complain against the ANC this week and immediately acted on the information provided by the DA.

“We have investigated the matter  and looked at the evidence provided by the DA, but we have found that there is nothing on their claim and dismissed the matter.” Said IEC spokesperson Itumeleng Leba

Lebona Lekoena