- The DA Youth branch in the Western Cape has laid criminal charges against the Cape Coloured Congress and the Africa Restoration Alliance after allegedly intimidating members of the DA Youth.
- DA metro chairperson Dan Plato said approximately 40 ARA members approached the DA youth event in Cafda, shouting through loud-hailers, and intimidating members of the public and youth.
- Police have confirmed a case of intimidation has been opened and is under investigation.
The DA Youth branch in the Western Cape has laid criminal charges against the Cape Coloured Congress (CCC) and the Africa Restoration Alliance (ARA), claiming they allegedly intimidated members of the DA Youth at two separate Freedom Day events held on Tuesday.
DA metro chairperson Dan Plato said the party condemned the behaviour of the CCC and ARA.
"In the morning roughly fifteen CCC members along with their ward candidate mobilised and followed our members in Leonsdale, heckling, swearing and invading our members' personal space in an intimidating and aggressive manner."
Plato said later that afternoon approximately 40 ARA members approached the DA youth event in Cafda, shouting through loud-hailers, and intimidating members of the public and youth.
"It is beyond ironic, that these newly established political parties chose today of all days, Freedom Day, to show the nation their true colours. On a day commemorating the first truly free and fair elections in our country’' history, they chose today to intimidate another political party and terrorise communities," Plato said.
Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk confirmed that criminal charges against CCC and ARA were opened at Steenberg Police Station and Elsies River.
"The incident referred to relates to an incident between members of different political parties. A case of intimidation was registered at Elsies River SAPS. The investigating officer will request the Department of Justice (prosecutor) to decide whether they will proceed with an investigation. This office can confirm that a case of intimidation was opened for investigation on 27 April 2021 at about 17h00 by a member of a political party at Steenberg SAPS."
The DA Youth provincial chairperson, Donovan Nelson, said: "Freedom Day should be the day we celebrate our freedoms and not fight to have them taken away. It cannot be that we are intimidated or called derogatory terms because who we choose to associate ourselves with."
The alleged intimidation comes just a week after by-elections were held in several communities.
ARA did not respond to News24's request for comment.
CCC leader Fadiel Adams told News24 the charges laid by the DA was a blatant smear campaign. "The DA is shaken. This is the last kick of a dying horse. Let them keep going and let them lay all the charges they want."