Update at 14:44

Six people have been arrested across Limpopo since Monday (November 2) for alleged contraventions of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, provincial police confirmed today.

According to Polokwane Review, Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers carried out inspections across the province to oversee safety deployments, beginning the day at the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s Results Operations Centre at The Ranch Resort in Polokwane alongside Lieutenant General Michael Mohlala of Natjoints and deputy provincial commissioner Major General Sebola.

The SAPS confirmed a zero-tolerance approach to election-related crime, conducting aerial monitoring to support ground forces deployed alongside other government departments. Senior officers urged communities to remain calm and respect the democratic process as stations remain open until 21:00.

Premier monitors steady voting across Mokopane

Voting across Mokopane is proceeding steadily through the day, with continuous movement through the queues.

Stations at Hoërskool Piet Potgieter and Mokopane Primary School saw an active turnout, where political party representatives assisted voters outside the venues. Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba visited voting stations in the area to inspect operations and ensure voters were not disadvantaged.

Strong morning turnout in Phagameng

Election fever built early in the Waterberg as numerous residents turned out to cast their ballots at the Ward 11 voting station in Phagameng, outside Modimolle.

In Ward 11 within the Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality, residents streamed into polling stations early, reflecting the significance of deciding local governance for the next five years.

Update at 11:12

Around 25% of voters who applied for home visits in Limpopo could not be reached during special voting, with some unaware that proxies had submitted applications on their behalf.

Polokwane Review reports that according to IEC Limpopo spokesperson Simon Thobakgale, officials conducted 81 136 home visits and recorded 121 355 special votes at voting stations by 18:00 on Tuesday, bringing the total to more than 202 000 special votes cast across the province. Despite these hurdles, the IEC stated it was satisfied with the overall administration of the two-day period.

The commission also highlighted key operational issues encountered ahead of Election Day:

• Warehouse security: Attempts were made by certain political parties to station their own security personnel at IEC warehouses. The commission reiterated that warehouses are restricted areas governed strictly by established security protocols.
• Voting station burglaries: Burglaries occurred at several schools designated as voting stations in the Musina A and Musina B districts. No electoral material was taken, as materials were secured off-site.
• Weather damage: Storms in parts of the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality damaged temporary voting stations housed in tents.

The IEC confirmed readiness across all 3 315 voting stations in the province. Voters must cast their ballots at their registered station using a green bar-coded ID book, Smart ID card, or valid temporary identification certificate. Department of Home Affairs offices remain open until 21:00 to assist voters.

Voters share their hopes

Eunice Mogolo, voting for her second time, and first-time voter Ofentse Mphahlele shared what casting their ballots in the 2026 Local Government Elections means to them, reflecting on their hopes and why they believe every vote counts.

Steady queues in Polokwane

It has been a busy Election Day at Bet Shalom voting station in Bendor, Polokwane, where long queues were split into two lines to keep voters moving. Despite the high turnout, queues have flowed steadily. Traffic around major voting stations across Polokwane remains manageable, though some residents have had to walk considerable distances to reach their designated stations.

Published at 08:39

Election Day has arrived and this Caxton Network News blog will provide live updates of events in Limpopo.

Look out for reports, videos and snippets from the ground that are worth knowing if you are getting your thumb inked in the north.

Severe weather warnings across province

A Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning resulting in localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements is expected over the central-southern parts of Limpopo.

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places over the Limpopo Valley and the Western Bushveld.

Polokwane will be partly cloudy with isolated showers and thundershowers, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 32°C.

2 arrested for alleged election offences

Polokwane Review reported that two people have been arrested in Limpopo in connection with alleged election-related offences ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

In the first incident, a man was arrested in the Mankweng policing area for allegedly removing election posters. Police said the incident was captured on video.

A case was opened at Mankweng Police Station under Section 92 of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, where the accused appeared in court and the case was postponed to November 30.

In a separate incident in the Sekhukhune District, another man was arrested in connection with a case of assault and intimidation.

Police allege the complainant’s political party T-shirt was forcibly removed and set alight during an incident involving people allegedly affiliated with a political party.

Police investigations into the Sekhukhune incident are continuing.

High alert after 2024 violence

Polokwane Review previously reported security measures dominated a media briefing in Ladine on Friday, where provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers and IEC provincial electoral officer Nkaro Mateta outlined plans to ensure a safe voting environment free from crime and disruption.

Security forces are expected to remain on high alert to prevent possible disruptions, with memories still fresh of pre-election violence during the 2024 national elections. These include a campaign clash in Juju Valley, Seshego, where a child was injured during a confrontation between rival party members.

According to the IEC, Polokwane is a major electoral battleground, with 37 political parties contesting 45 wards.

Polling hours

Voting stations opened at 07:00 and close at 21:00. Voters who are in the queue by closing time will still be allowed to cast their ballots.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.