Lulekani voter arrested after alleged ballot photo incident
Two voters allegedly photographed marked ballot papers at a Lulekani voting station, with one 32-year-old man arrested and another suspect still being sought.
PHALABORWA – A 32-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly photographing his marked ballot paper at a voting station in Humulani settlement during the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The incident happened at Chuchekani Primary School voting station in Lulekani on Monday, November 2.
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According to police, the man allegedly photographed his ballot papers after casting his vote at about 10:00. The presiding officer reportedly informed him that taking photographs of marked ballot papers was prohibited under the Electoral Act 73 of 1998.
A second voter allegedly photographed his marked ballot papers at the same voting station at about 13:40. When confronted by the presiding officer, he allegedly became aggressive, verbally insulted her and left the voting station.
One of the voters later allegedly posted an image of his marked ballot paper on social media.
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 32-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday, November 3, and is expected to appear in the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 4.
Police are still searching for the second suspect.
