ERMELO – Just days ahead of the elections, more election posters have been found discarded in a field near President Fouché Street, sparking further questions about the handling of campaign materials.

This new discovery follows closely on the heels of a recent incident where election posters were reportedly seen being loaded on a municipal-registered bakkie.

ALSO READ: Election posters quandary in Ermelo cleared up

Concerned residents had initially suspected non-compliance or foul play, but these suspicions were clarified by FF Plus councillor Shobie Arnoldi.

Arnoldi said he was informed that the waste section had been instructed to take the collected posters to the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) offices.

“The municipal manager, Maqhawe Kunene, confirmed that the waste management team had been instructed to take the collected posters to the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) offices.”

However, on May 23, Gerald Young, a former Highvelder journalist, took photos of additional election posters discarded near a private school in a field in President Fouché Street.

The posters, representing various political parties, appeared to be in good condition, raising concerns about how they ended up in the field.

Zwane, during intial enquiries had cited the Electoral Act 73 of 1997 part 92, which states: “From the date on which an election is called to the date the result of the election is determined and declared in terms of Section 57, no person may deface or unlawfully remove any billboard, placard or poster published by a registered party or candidate.”

Highvelder has sent follow-up inquiries to Zwane regarding the latest posters found and is awaiting a response.