Limpopo police have arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly photographing his marked ballot paper at a voting station and sharing the image on WhatsApp.
The suspect was arrested by Mokwakwaila police following an incident at Masakhane Voting Station in Ga-Willy Village on Monday, November 2, during the 2026 Local Government Elections.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the presiding officer allegedly observed the man taking a photograph of his ballot paper after casting his vote at approximately 11.30am.
“The presiding officer reported the incident to the police, who responded and apprehended the suspect,” Mashaba said.
The suspect allegedly posted the photograph on his WhatsApp status and reportedly also shared screenshots of the images with police.
He was arrested and charged with contravening the Electoral Act 73 of 1998.
The man is expected to appear before the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 5.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the arrest, reiterating that photographing a marked ballot paper violates the secrecy of the vote and constitutes a criminal offence.
Police have urged voters to respect electoral processes and warned that those who contravene the Electoral Act will face arrest.
The incident comes as South Africans participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance against electoral offences and conduct that could undermine the integrity of the voting process.
Source: IOL News
