Limpopo – A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Limpopo for allegedly photographing his marked ballot paper at a voting station during South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrest followed reports of two male voters who allegedly photographed their marked ballot papers using their cellphones at Chuchekani Primary School voting station in the Humulani settlement, Lulekani, on Monday, 2 November.
According to police, the first incident occurred at about 10:00 when a 32-year-old voter allegedly took a photograph of his ballot papers after casting his vote. The presiding officer confronted him and explained that photographing marked ballot papers was against electoral rules.
A second incident was reported at approximately 13:40 when another male voter allegedly photographed his marked ballot paper. However, when confronted by the presiding officer, he reportedly became aggressive, verbally insulted her and left the voting station.
“At about 13:50, one of the voters allegedly posted an image of his marked ballot paper on his social media status,” SAPS said in a statement.
The presiding officer subsequently reported both incidents to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which advised her to open a case with the police.
However, the matter was reported after the voting station had closed, by which time both suspects had already left the premises.
Police confirmed that one suspect, aged 32, was arrested on Tuesday, 3 November, and is expected to appear before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 4 November.
Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the second suspect.
“Police investigations are continuing,” SAPS said.
The case relates to the alleged contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, which governs electoral processes in South Africa.
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Picture: Facebook / SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
