Limpopo police arrest more than ten voters over photos of marked ballots

Limpopo police have arrested more than ten suspects from various districts for photographing their marked ballot papers and sharing or publishing the images, and have warned voters that the conduct is prohibited under the Electoral Act.

The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, said anyone found violating the law will face legal consequences. Voters are urged to respect electoral laws, follow the prescribed voting procedures and protect the secrecy and integrity of the voting process.

The arrests came from districts across the province, according to the South African Police Service statement issued from Polokwane. The statement does not name the suspects, say exactly how many were arrested, or set out the charges each one faces.

The police warning covers both the photographing of a marked ballot and the sharing or publishing of that image on social media platforms.

The statement was issued through the office of the provincial commissioner. Enquiries are directed to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

The full statement is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72239.