DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers has filed sworn affidavits and supporting materials in the Western Cape High Court in response to the Patriotic Alliance’s challenge regarding his allegations of offering tik and cash in exchange for votes during the George by-elections earlier this year.
These allegations centre on three wards in George — Conville, Rosemoor, and Pacaltsdorp — where the Patriotic Alliance won by-elections held between January and February 2026. The party denies any wrongdoing and previously gave Simmers seven days to produce evidence and a police case number, or to withdraw his statements and apologise to the affected communities.
“You asked for evidence. I have submitted it. Now let the legal process take its course,” Simmers said during a media briefing. He added that the evidence includes photographic and video material relating to two of the incidents, which had been referred to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), while information concerning the third allegation was passed on to law enforcement authorities.
“These are serious matters that deserve proper scrutiny. Of particular concern are allegations involving vulnerable community members affected by tik addiction. No person struggling with addiction should ever be exploited for political purposes,” Simmers emphasised.
Despite these claims, there has been no confirmation from SAPS or the IEC of any formal investigation or the registration of a police case number linked to the matter. Simmers noted he was not aware of any conclusive outcome from the IEC referrals.
The Patriotic Alliance, through spokesperson Steve Motale, previously insisted that Simmers produce concrete evidence within a week to substantiate his claims. The party leader, Gayton McKenzie, publicly rejected the allegations in October, threatening legal action against Simmers.
Simmers maintains, “These are not allegations. I saw this.” The dispute highlights ongoing tensions around vote-buying claims in South African local elections and raises questions about safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation.
While Simmers has formally engaged the legal system by filing court papers, independent verification of the contents of his supporting material, the existence of a police case, or any official IEC resolution remains unavailable in the public domain.
The High Court is now tasked with examining the evidence and deciding on the merits of these allegations, with the Patriotic Alliance poised to respond as the legal process unfolds.
Cape Flats News will continue monitoring the case and provide updates as the court proceedings develop.