Woman arrested at Mugoboya voting station for disrupting voting - TimesLIVE

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly disrupting the voting process at Mugoboya voting station in the Mopani district on Wednesday.

The woman is expected to appear before the Lenyenye magistrate’s court on Friday.

She was arrested following an incident in which she allegedly attempted to take photographs and record a video while casting her vote. The presiding officer informed her that such conduct was prohibited by law and would not be permitted.

The suspect allegedly became aggressive and started hurling insults at the presiding officer using vulgar language. She further caused a disturbance, which disrupted the voting process and hindered the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) from carrying out its duties.

Police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the police were called to the scene and swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of the suspect for contravening the Electoral Act 51 of 1996, relating to wilfully hindering or obstructing the IEC in the performance of its functions or duties.

The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt-Gen Jan Petrus Scheepers, has strongly condemned the incident and cautioned members of the public against conduct that undermines 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. Any conduct intended to intimidate election officials, disrupt voting or obstruct the Electoral Commission in carrying out its mandate will not be tolerated. Police will continue to act decisively against anyone who threatens the integrity and smooth running of the electoral process,” said Scheepers.