Police probe T-shirt scuffle between PA and DA at voting station

CAPE TOWN - Police are investigating a case of assault following a scuffle between a Patriotic Alliance (PA) and a DA candidate at the Da Gama Park voting station in Simon’s Town.

Ward 61 PA candidate Aslam Richards has alleged that DA ward councillor Simon Liell-Cock had “kicked him and hit him with both hands” at the voting station on Sunday when he questioned him about wearing a DA T-shirt inside the facility.

“I was attacked by the DA councillor during the special votes and I was told by a police officer at the VD to open a case.

“The DA councillor was inside the boundaries of the IEC with his political T-shirt on. I was outside and I called him and I told him he’s breaking the rules. I told the councillor if he does not come out, I will be forced to take a picture to show the IEC. He came out very aggressively and tried to kick the phone out of my hand, I blocked his kick as he kicked me against my arm,” Richards said.

But Liell-Cock disputed Richards’ version of events.

“I didn’t touch him, except when he put his face an inch from mine, to push him out of my personal space.

“I had my T-shirt on and I was actually outside the VD. The prosecutor is investigating the allegations and will decide whether to go forward. The truth is significantly different from his version, but I will wait on the prosecutor’s decision before I comment,” he said.

DA provincial chairperson Jaco Londt said: “The councillor categorically denies the allegations made and welcomes any police investigation since there were several witnesses at the scene.

“This is an attempt by the opposition, after they have been rejected by the voters, to find excuses for a badly run campaign in the ward.”

National Police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo confirmed the two candidates opened charges against each other.

“The one candidate alleged that he arrived at Da Gama Park voting station and that he was outside the boundary of the voting station of the IEC while the other candidate drove his vehicle into the boundary of the voting station. The latter was then informed he was not allowed inside the boundary with the vehicle and also not allowed with political party branded clothing.

“The former candidate said to the latter candidate that he was going to take photos which resulted in the latter candidate saying something to him about the Popi Act. An argument ensued followed by a scuffle, hence the assault case,” he said.

IEC provincial electoral officer Michael Hendrickse said the wearing of a political T-shirt inside the voting station was prohibited.

Cape Times