Unisa says it will apply its own rules on the conduct of council members after its convocation president, Justice Dabampe, was arrested over an incident at a voting station in Christiana, North West, during the local government elections.

Dabampe, who is also a member of the university council and is reported to be an EFF member of the North West provincial legislature, is accused of contravening the Electoral Act and intimidation. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

What police say happened

Police spokesperson Colonel Adèle Myburgh confirmed the case. According to her account, a 39-year-old female presiding officer reported that 10 to 15 people arrived at the station, some in party-regalia T-shirts, with one carrying a camera while others filmed a male voter. She said she asked whether they had accreditation to film.

Police say a man then allegedly said he was the voter's photographer and threatened to destroy ballot papers if the voter was not allowed to vote. Officials let the voter cast his ballot while the recording continued.

North West Provincial Electoral Commissioner Bonolo Modise said the commission was aware of the incident. "You cannot simply walk into a voting station and do as you please," she said, adding that the presiding officer asked the person to stop recording and then asked police on duty for help.

Court and Unisa's response

Dabampe was arrested on Monday 2 November. He appeared in the Christiana Magistrate's Court, was released on R500 bail and is due back on 12 November, according to reports.

Unisa spokesperson Thomas Huma said the university has its own rules for council members' conduct and for dealing with such matters, and that "the university will be guided by these in its attention to this matter".

What we do not yet know

  • Whether Unisa will investigate, refer the matter to a disciplinary structure or review Dabampe's participation in council while the case is pending.
  • Whether the alleged threat is attributed to Dabampe. The police account quoted refers to "a male" suspect, and some reports do not tie the threat to him by name.
  • Whether Dabampe has responded or entered a plea. No comment from him or his party has been reported.
  • Reports differ on whether the R500 bail was set by police or the court.