Voter arrested for photographing ballot paper

A 32-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly photographing his marked ballot paper at a voting station in Lulekani, Limpopo, during Monday's local government elections.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, 03 November, following allegations that two male voters photographed their marked ballot papers using their cellphones at Chuchekani Primary School voting station in Humulani settlement on Monday.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the first incident occurred at about 10:00 when a 32-year-old voter allegedly photographed his ballot paper after casting his vote.

The presiding officer confronted him and informed him that photographing marked ballot papers was against electoral rules.

A second incident was reported at about 13:40 when another male voter allegedly photographed his ballot paper. When confronted, he reportedly became aggressive, verbally insulted the presiding officer and left the voting station.

At about 13:50, one of the voters allegedly posted an image of his marked ballot paper on his social media status.

The presiding officer reported both incidents to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which advised her to open a case with the police.

The case was only reported after the voting station had closed, by which time both suspects had left the premises.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear before the Lulekani Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 04 November, while police have launched a manhunt for the second suspect.

Police investigations are continuing.