‘If you vote in Nkandla, prepare for your funeral’

‘If you have voted, tell your family to prepare for your funeral.’

These are the words written in a letter that has been photocopied and distributed at voting stations in Nkandla.

The ANC in KZN has condemned the anonymous ‘letter of intimidation’.

According to a press release issued by the party a short while ago, the letter was apparently targeting young voters with threatening messages which is ‘likely to deter them from exercising their voting right’.

‘The message warns young people of possible violence if they don’t stay away from voting stations and argues they should concern themselves with education,’ reads the statement.

‘The letter further warns that any young person voting today is being watched and will be targeted,’ said ANC KZN spokesperson, Mdumiseni Ntuli.

He says the police have been asked to investigate the matter.

IEC uThungulu Regional Supervisor Thule Dlamini confirmed receipt of a complaint regarding the letter.

‘We have seen the letter and have handed the matter over to the SAPS in Nkandla to investigate.’

A rough translation of the letter reads:

‘A person came here to get an education. Focus on school and forget about elections.

We will watch you and whoever will vote will force a problem. 

There are a few we will catch and make them an example.

If you have voted, tell your family to prepare the funeral and start practicing the funeral songs. 

Even if they transport you in buses, they won’t be able to protect you after the elections. 

So don’t get yourself into trouble.’

Dlamini said that in her district, no other major incidents were reported by 11am.

President Jacob Zuma cast his vote at Ntolwane Primary School in Nkandla a short while ago.

President Jacob Zuma casts his vote in the 2016 Local Government Elections at Ntolwane Primary School in Nkandla. pic.twitter.com/L7yi5YGehr

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 3, 2016