Limpopo police arrest 20 people over election-related cases
Limpopo police say 20 suspects have been arrested and about 33 cases opened since the local government elections began on Monday, including for photographing marked ballots.
Police in Limpopo have arrested 20 people since the local government elections got under way on Monday, according to SAnews. The South African Police Service (SAPS) says about 33 cases linked to the elections have been registered across the province.
What the cases involve
The charges include a mix of electoral and general crimes:
- breaches of the Electoral Act
- fraud
- common assault
- malicious damage to property
- pointing a firearm
Police said some of the Electoral Act cases involve people who allegedly used their cellphones to photograph marked ballot papers and then shared the pictures on social media. In a statement, police said this kind of behaviour is against the law and “undermines the secrecy and integrity of the voting process”.
Officers also attended other incidents of alleged unlawful behaviour during the election period. These led to criminal cases being opened and suspects being arrested.
Police response
Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, the Limpopo Police Commissioner, welcomed the arrests. He praised police officers, other law enforcement bodies and stakeholders for helping keep the election period safe and peaceful. He also thanked them for their cooperation and support, and highlighted the value of partnerships in protecting communities, voters and election officials.
Scheepers said SAPS would not hesitate to act against anyone who breaks the law, no matter who they are, and that every reported case would be handled according to the law.
SAnews reported that some of the suspects have already begun appearing in their local magistrate’s courts.
What this means for voters
The police statement makes one point clear: photographing your marked ballot paper and posting it online is prohibited under electoral law. Voters who want to avoid trouble should keep their ballot private and leave their phones out of the voting booth process. Anyone with information about election-related crime can report it to the police, who say all reported cases will be followed up.
This story is based on reporting by SAnews.
