ActionSA Councillor Candidate’s Home Destroyed In Fire Ahead Of Elections
The home of an ActionSA councillor candidate in Ward 12 of the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality in the North West was destroyed in a fire on Sunday, 1 November, ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.
ActionSA Deputy President Dr Mbahare Kekana confirmed the incident, saying the party had learnt of it with “deep concern”.
In a statement issued on Monday, 2 November, the party said the circumstances surrounding the fire, including its cause, remained unknown. It has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a thorough investigation to establish whether there was any malicious intent.
ActionSA said the candidate, whom it described as a young female leader, had experienced hostility and intimidation throughout the election campaign.
Although the party said it hoped the fire was an unfortunate coincidence, it could not rule out the possibility that it was politically motivated and intended to intimidate the candidate or undermine the democratic process.
“No candidate should have to fear for their life, property or personal safety simply because they have chosen to contest an election. Political competition must never descend into intimidation, violence or the destruction of property,” the party said.
Kekana, who is also the party’s national deployee to the North West, was expected to visit the municipality on Monday, accompanied by provincial chairperson Masego Kodisang and Ramotshere Moiloa mayoral candidate Lerato Selebogo.
The delegation was due to meet the affected candidate and assess the situation.
ActionSA has also called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to ensure that the 2026 Local Government Elections are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful environment.
The incident comes as South Africa prepares for Election Day on Wednesday, 4 November, with special voting taking place today Monday and Tuesday.
