Three suspects have been arrested in Letsitele in Limpopo for intimidating and threatening a voter at a polling station during special votes yesterday. The incident occurred at the Runnymede voting station at Xibukulwana Secondary School.
INTIMIDATED
Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said initial reports suggest that the victim was approached by two women and a man aged between 48 and 55, who demanded to know which political party she intended to vote for. Despite the victim's refusal to disclose her choice, the suspects threatened her. "The complainant informed them she could not disclose since her vote is a secret. The suspects then threatened her that she should vote for a certain political party as if she didn't, she was placing her life in danger,' Mashaba said. The complainant reported the incident to an IEC official at the voting station and police were notified. The suspects were swiftly apprehended. The trio will appear before Ritavi Magistrates Court tomorrow, Thursday, on charges of intimidation and assault by threat.
MAN WANTED FOR SWEARING AT POLITICAL CAMPAIGNER ARRESTED
In Lephalale, also in Limpopo, a 34-year-old wanted suspect was arrested yesterday and charged with crimen injuria and common assault common. The incident took place last month at Ga-Seleka village where the male suspect allegedly disrupted members of a particular political party during a door-to-door campaign. According to Mashaba, the suspect swore at the party members using offensive language before throwing stones at them, resulting in one individual being struck at the back. A case was opened against the suspect, and he has been on the run since and was apprehended yesterday. Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests and reiterated that this should send a clear message to anyone who intends to disrupt the voting process in any part of the province and that the police will not hesitate to act. The suspect will appear before Phalala Magistrates Court tomorrow.
