Two men have been arrested in Limpopo in separate incidents involving alleged election offences, including the removal of campaign posters and the assault and intimidation of a person wearing a political party T-shirt.
The arrests were made on Monday, 2 November 2026, the opening day of special voting for the local government elections. The incidents have placed renewed focus on the conduct of political parties and their supporters as voters who cannot reach voting stations on election day cast their ballots.
Poster removal case reaches court
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the first suspect was arrested in the Mankweng policing area after he was allegedly seen removing election posters unlawfully.
The alleged incident was captured on video, according to Mashaba. A case was opened at Mankweng Police Station for contravening Section 92 of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998.
The accused has already appeared in court. The matter was postponed to 30 November 2026, while the legal process continues.
The charge highlights the potential consequences of interfering with election material. Posters are part of the public campaign landscape and their removal can affect the visibility of parties competing for support, particularly in communities where political campaigning is conducted along roads, near public facilities and in residential areas.
Party clothing allegedly set alight
In a separate case in the Sekhukhune District, police arrested another man in connection with allegations of assault and intimidation.
Mashaba said the complainant was allegedly confronted by people believed to be linked to a political party. The complainant’s political party T-shirt was reportedly forcibly removed and then set alight.
“It is alleged that the complainant's political party T-shirt was forcibly removed and subsequently set alight during an incident involving members allegedly affiliated with a political party.”
A case was opened at Sekhukhune Police Station. Police investigations are continuing, and no further details about the alleged assault or the identity of the party involved were provided.
The allegation is significant beyond the immediate criminal investigation because political clothing has become one of the most visible ways in which people express their choice during an election campaign. The reported burning of the garment, if proven, would underline the risks faced by people displaying political affiliations in an atmosphere where party rivalry can spill into intimidation.
Police warn against intimidation
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers said the SAPS would not tolerate intimidation, violence or the unlawful destruction or removal of election material.
He called on political parties, their supporters and communities to respect the law, show political tolerance and resolve disagreements peacefully. Police will continue monitoring election-related incidents and take action against people found violating the law, he said.
- Mankweng: one suspect was arrested over the alleged unlawful removal of election posters.
- Sekhukhune: one suspect was arrested in an assault and intimidation investigation involving a political party T-shirt.
- Court date: the Mankweng matter was postponed to 30 November 2026.
- Special voting: the process began on Monday and continues on Tuesday, ahead of election day on Wednesday.
Millions approved for special voting
The arrests came as special voting began nationally. A total of 2,655,067 voters had been approved for special voting, including people who cannot reach voting stations because of physical infirmity or disability and other eligible voters covered by the process.
| Election activity | Date or figure |
|---|---|
| First day of special voting | 2 November 2026 |
| Special voting period | Monday and Tuesday |
| Election day | Wednesday |
| Approved special voters | 2,655,067 |
| Next court date in poster case | 30 November 2026 |
For communities in Mankweng, Sekhukhune and elsewhere in the province, the cases serve as a reminder that election campaigning remains subject to criminal and electoral law. Political disagreements do not provide protection from prosecution, and allegations of violence or intimidation must be dealt with through the police and courts rather than through retaliation.
The two investigations are at different stages. The poster-removal suspect has appeared in court and has a further date, while the Sekhukhune investigation remains under way. Both suspects are entitled to due process, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
As special voting continues and the province moves towards election day, the SAPS has urged voters and political organisations to protect the right of people to participate without fear, leave election material intact and report suspected offences through the proper channels.
