Woman, 25, arrested at Mogoboya voting station for filming her ballot and insulting the presiding officer

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested at the Mogoboya voting station in the Mopani District, Limpopo, after police say she disrupted voting on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

According to the South African Police Service, the trouble began when she allegedly tried to take photographs and record a video while casting her vote. The presiding officer told her that the conduct was prohibited by law and would not be permitted.

Police say she then became aggressive and insulted the presiding officer in vulgar language, and that the disturbance held up the voting process and hindered the Electoral Commission from carrying out its duties.

Officers were called to the station and arrested her for contravening the Electoral Act 51 of 1996, in connection with wilfully hindering or obstructing the Electoral Commission in the performance of its functions or duties.

She is expected to appear before the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 6 November 2026. The police statement says investigations are continuing.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, condemned the incident and warned the public against conduct that undermines the electoral process.

“The right to vote comes with a responsibility to respect the laws governing elections and the officials entrusted with ensuring a free, fair and credible process,” he said. “Any conduct intended to intimidate election officials, disrupt voting or obstruct the Electoral Commission in carrying out its mandate will not be tolerated. Police will continue to act decisively against anyone who threatens the integrity and smooth running of the electoral process.”

The account is drawn from the SAPS media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo, published at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72246. Enquiries on the statement are directed to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.