1.4 million Limpopo voters turn out as 33 election cases and 20 arrests follow

More than 1.4 million people voted in Limpopo in the 2026 Local Government Elections, out of roughly three million registered voters in the province, the provincial electoral officer said in Polokwane.

Nkaro Mateta, the IEC’s Provincial Electoral Officer, said she was encouraged by the number of residents who turned out to exercise their democratic right to vote. She was speaking at a media briefing at the IEC Results Operation Centre at The Ranch Hotel, alongside the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, and the Deputy Provincial Commissioners for Policing, Major General Leseba Mashilo, and Crime Detection, Major General William Mashava.

Mateta said the province experienced some disruptions in Musina but that the challenges were successfully addressed, allowing the electoral process to continue. She also highlighted an incident at a voting station in Tzaneen, in the Mopani District, where the opening of the station was delayed.

Scheepers commended SAPS members and all law enforcement agencies for their vigilance, professionalism and dedication in maintaining law and order throughout the election period.

“We extend our gratitude to the Independent Electoral Commission for taking charge of the electoral process and working closely with the police,” he said.

The Provincial Commissioner said 33 election-related cases were reported across Limpopo, resulting in approximately 20 arrests.

Scheepers and Mateta thanked the stakeholders and role players who contributed to the management of the elections, acknowledged the work of law enforcement agencies and thanked the people of Limpopo for coming out in numbers to vote.

Communities were urged to report any election-related incidents, cooperate with investigators and allow the justice process to take its course. Residents were also cautioned against taking the law into their own hands or using allegations to fuel tensions between supporters of different political parties.

The briefing was held following the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Elections. This report is based on the South African Police Service media statement on the briefing, which is a summary account rather than a full record of the proceedings. The statement is published at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72281 and enquiries are directed to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba on 082 451 7180.