Pietermaritzburg IEC Official Accused of Breaching Electoral Act Officially Charged The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has officially charged a Pietermaritzburg Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) official with breaching the Electoral Act. The official, whose name has not been released, allegedly provided sensitive electoral information to unauthorized individuals. According to the NPA, the official faces charges of contravening section 59(1) of the Electoral Act, which prohibits the disclosure of any election-related information by an IEC official without proper authorization. The charges stem from an investigation initiated by the SAPS Organized Crime Unit after irregularities were detected during the 2021 local government elections. It is alleged that the official provided information on voter registration, polling stations, and candidate details to third parties, who may have used the information to manipulate the electoral process. The official was arrested on Monday, January 9, 2023, and appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 10. The accused was released on bail of R10,000 and ordered to surrender his passport. The IEC has expressed its disappointment over the alleged breach of trust by the official. IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya stated that the commission is committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and will take any necessary measures to prevent further violations. The NPA has vowed to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring all those responsible to account. The trial is expected to commence in March 2023. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and security of electoral information. The IEC has called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious or irregular activities to the relevant authorities.Simba Faces Dilemma over Key Players’ ContractsSimba Faces Dilemma over Key Players’ Contracts Simba SC is grappling with the challenge of retaining two crucial players: attacking midfielder Clatous Chama and defensive midfielder Sadio Kanoute. Chama’s Departure to Yanga Negotiations between Simba and Chama over contract extension have reportedly broken down, with rumors suggesting that the Zambian has already joined their rivals, Young Africans (Yanga). This development has sparked disappointment among Simba fans, who view Chama as a vital asset to the team. Kanoute’s Request to Leave Meanwhile, Kanoute, the Malian defensive midfielder, has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Simba in pursuit of new challenges. The player has made significant contributions to the team in both domestic and international competitions, becoming a reliable performer. However, despite winning the Community Shield and Union League Championship, he has yet to secure a major trophy with Simba. Club’s Decision According to a club source, Kanoute has a remaining contract of one year, but he has requested to depart. The club’s leadership, however, believes that Kanoute has more to offer the team and is reluctant to part ways with him. The source suggested that Kanoute is likely to leave, with a sale to another club as a possibility. Information Manager’s Statement Simba’s information and communications manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed Kanoute’s departure request but stated that no decision has been made. He emphasized that discussions are ongoing, but it remains uncertain whether the player will stay or leave. As Simba navigates these player issues, the club is faced with the task of balancing the stability of its squad with the aspirations of its key players. The departure of both Chama and Kanoute would be significant blows, and it remains to be seen how the club will fill the voids left by their potential exits.Pietermaritzburg IEC official, Ntombenhle Jacobs, has been officially charged with breaching the Electoral Act. This follows a complaint lodged by the DA, alleging that Jacobs had violated the Act by distributing VEC t-shirts at a political rally. Jacobs appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 19, 2023, and was released on bail of R2,000. She is due back in court on September 30, 2023. The DA’s complaint alleges that Jacobs violated Section 22(2) of the Electoral Act, which prohibits any electoral official from wearing or displaying any election campaign material. The DA also alleges that Jacobs was wearing a VEC t-shirt at a political rally for the ANC in the run-up to the 2021 local government elections. The IEC has confirmed that Jacobs is a VEC official, but has not yet commented on the charges against her. The DA has welcomed the charges against Jacobs, saying that it is important to hold electoral officials accountable for their actions. “The Electoral Act is there to ensure the fairness and integrity of our elections, and any breach of the Act must be taken seriously,” said DA leader John Steenhuisen. The ANC has not yet commented on the charges against Jacobs.