Wendy Dondolo|Published
Police in the Free State are investigating the alleged theft of 174 Democratic Alliance (DA) election campaign posters in Hertzogville, with the stolen material valued at R32,190.
The posters were allegedly removed from several streets in Hertzogville and Malebogo Location ahead of the 2026 local government elections, prompting a theft case to be opened.
174 campaign posters allegedly stolen
Police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said the complainant, a 44-year-old designated constituency officer for the DA in Tokologo Local Municipality, placed 300 campaign posters in Hertzogville and Malebogo Location on September 2.
However, when the complainant conducted a headcount on October 11, only 126 posters remained.
“It was then revealed that 174 DA political party campaign posters had been unlawfully removed and taken from Malebogo street, Van Niekerk street, Skool street and the R708 Christiana road,” Thabana said.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and a case of theft was registered for further investigation.
Removing election posters is against the law
Police have warned members of the public that the unlawful removal of political campaign material is prohibited under electoral legislation.
“Police would like to bring it to the attention of members of the public that unlawfully removing any billboard, placard or poster published by a political party or candidate for the purpose of an election is prohibited by law in terms of Section 72 (1) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000,” Thabana said.
SAPS said such conduct contravenes the electoral code of conduct and warned that individuals or political parties found violating the law could face criminal liability.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward.
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