The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has arrested a 25-year-old for allegedly disrupting the voting process at Mugoboya Voting Station in Mopani District on Wednesday, November 4.
Police say the woman was arrested (https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/three-arrested-in-limpopo-over-election-intimidation-and-ballot-paper-photograph/) after she allegedly tried to take pictures and videos while casting her vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The presiding officer informed her that such conduct was prohibited by law and would not be allowed.
Unhappy with the presiding officer’s warning, the woman allegedly caused a commotion and became aggressive toward the presiding officer. She also hurled insults using vulgar language towards the officer.
Police said the woman caused further disturbance, disrupting the voting process and preventing Election Commission (IEC) officials from carrying out their duties.
Police then arrested her after swiftly intervening. She has been charged with contravening the Electoral Commission (https://iol.co.za/the-star/news/2026-11-05-iec-tightens-ballot-checks-after-theft-at-ethekwini-voting-station/) Act 51 of 1996 for willfully hindering or obstructing the Electoral Commission in performing its functions or duties.
The woman is expected to make her first appearance at the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Friday November 6.
Party agent arrested for recording ballot-related activities
A similar incident occurred elsewhere in Limpopo. Police arrested a 33-year-old woman for allegedly disrupting voting processes after she was involved in a dispute over recording ballot-related activities.
The incident happened at the Baptist Church voting station on Tuesday, November 3, on the second special vote day.
Police arrested the woman for contravening the Local Government Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000. Police say the incident began after a deputy presiding officer received a phone call from the Area manager, who requested the day’s voting statistics.
Section 73 of the Act states that no one may obstruct or hinder IEC members from exercising their powers or performing their duties. Section 80 also stipulates that anyone found in contravention of the Act may be fined or serve a sentence of up to 5 years.
The party agent began counting the envelopes containing the ballot papers when another party agent began recording the process without permission. The woman then went outside and showed the video to other party agents, and they entered the voting station and disrupted the process.
The woman is expected to appear at the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 5.
IOL News
