Developing story: The man was expected to appear in court on Wednesday, the same day as the elections.

Police in Limpopo have arrested a 32-year-old voter who allegedly photographed his marked ballot paper at a voting station during special voting, as the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reminds voters that doing so is strictly prohibited.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the incidents happened on Monday, the first day of special voting, at the Chuchekani Primary School voting station in the Humulani settlement, Lulekani. The man was arrested on Tuesday and was expected to appear in the Lulekani Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

What police say happened

According to police, the presiding officer confronted a first voter at about 10am and told him that photographing a marked ballot paper was against the rules. A second voter later became aggressive, insulted the presiding officer and left. The image was allegedly posted on social media at about 1.50pm.

The presiding officer reported both incidents to the IEC, which advised her to open a police case. The case was opened after the station closed, by which time both men had left. Police are still looking for the second voter. The man in custody is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The IEC's reminder

The commission has urged voters to follow the rules at voting stations. It said: "The commission reminds voters to observe the dos and don'ts at voting stations to safeguard the secrecy, integrity and orderly conduct of the voting process. Voters are reminded that making a photographic image of marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited. Voters must mark their ballot papers in private, in the designated voting compartments, and follow the instructions of election officials throughout the process."

The IEC also urged parties and supporters not to campaign, intimidate voters or try to influence their choices at voting stations.

What this means on Wednesday

  • Mark your ballot in the voting compartment and keep it private.
  • Do not photograph or film your marked ballot.
  • Follow the instructions of the presiding officer and other election officials.

What we do not yet know

Police have not said which law or regulation the man is expected to be charged under, or what penalty applies. The charge wording was not available at the time of writing.