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Two suspects arrested for destroying ballot papers in Giyani

The suspects were part of a group of men who prevented IEC officials from allowing a citizen to cast a special vote

LIMPOPO -Police in Giyani have arrested two suspects on Contravention of the Electoral Act and Malicious Damage to Property charges  on Monday night, 6 May, in Guwela village. The arrest, says police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, forms part of the commitment from the police’s Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) to ensure safe and secure elections.

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Mojapelo, in a statement released, explained that Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials were about to enter a homestead at around 11:00 to assist a citizen in casting a special vote when a group of men approached them. The men prevented them from executing their duties and damaged ballot papers.

Photo: Limpopo police

“While the ballot papers were damaged, no one sustained any inquiries and the two suspects were arrested within hours,” he added.

Photo: Limpopo police

ProvJOINTS Chairperson, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has reassured communities that police in the province are prepared and well positioned to ensure a safe and secure elections.

“The suspects, both from the nearby Mnghongoma village, will appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court, soon,” Mojapelo concluded.

raeesak@nmgroup.co.za

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Raeesa Sempe

Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon. – Tom Stoppard

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