The African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday called for disciplinary action and possibly the laying of criminal charges, following allegations of serious misconduct.

Controversy erupted within the party following the discovery of ballot papers linked to the party’s Greater Johannesburg regional elective conference. The ballot papers were allegedly discovered at a private residence in Pretoria.

On Sunday, members of the South African Police Service (Saps), and the party’s security personnel conducted an onsite inspection at premisses where alleged misconduct was taking place, and which involved the service provider appointed to assist in the administration of the recent regional conference of the ANC Johannesburg region.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the investigation confirmed prima facie misconduct.

“…based on this information, ANC security reported the matter to the Saps,” she said.

The ANC said it regarded the allegations as extremely serious.

“If proven, they would have the effect of bringing the ANC into disrepute and drawing into question the credibility and integrity of internal ANC electoral processes,” Bhengu warned.

She stressed the ANC’s commitment to ensuring that the law and the ANC's constitution were respected and upheld.

“Any subsequent processes will be conducted in a manner consistent with the values and prescripts of the ANC constitution and the laws of the republic,” she said.

The party urged members to await the outcome of the processes before making public statements, and to ensure that leadership of the Regional Executive Committee was allowed to continue in their duties.