Limpopo woman arrested for disrupting voting process

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly disrupting the voting process at Mogoboya Voting Station in the Maake policing area in Limpopo.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, when the woman allegedly attempted to take photographs and record a video while casting her vote.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the presiding officer informed the woman that taking photographs and recording videos during voting was prohibited.

However, the suspect allegedly became aggressive and insulted the presiding officer using vulgar language. She also allegedly caused a disturbance that disrupted voting and hindered the Electoral Commission from performing its duties.

Police were called to the scene and arrested the woman for allegedly contravening the Electoral Act 51 of 1996 by wilfully hindering or obstructing the Electoral Commission from carrying out its functions.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Lenyenye Magistrate's Court on Friday, November 6.

Limpopo police provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers condemned the incident and warned members of the public against disrupting 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," said Scheepers.

He warned that police would act against anyone found intimidating election officials, disrupting voting or obstructing the Electoral Commission.

Investigations are continuing.