Discovery of ballots sparks probe into ANC Johannesburg leadership race

A cloud of controversy continues to hang over the African National Congress (ANC)'s regional conference in Johannesburg, as the South African Police Service investigates allegations of rigging and irregularities.

At the weekend, ballot papers that were allegedly used during the election of the new ANC regional leadership were found at a house in Pretoria. This has sparked speculation that the conference was marred by irregularities and that the leadership election was flawed.

At the conference last month, former ANC Johannesburg leader Dada Morero lost his bid to retain the position, with Loyiso Masuku emerging as the new regional leader.

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Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, ANC Gauteng co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi said the matter has been escalated to the party’s national officials.

"We are of the strong view that we need to engage with our national leadership. On the basis of that, we will be in the position to provide details on this matter. We are monitoring the situation and our regional leadership has already contacted Luthuli House."