BREAKING NEWS 🚨
Actor Tumisho Masha Faces Police Probe Over Alleged Ballot Paper Photograph
Actor Tumisho Masha is under investigation after allegedly photographing and sharing a marked ballot paper during the 2026 Local Government Elections in Gauteng.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster said today, Wednesday, 4 November, that the matter had been referred to the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.
The incident follows the circulation of images showing Masha’s social media post, which featured his inked thumb alongside a photograph of a City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council ballot paper marked for ActionSA. His caption also expressed support for the party.
Authorities have reminded voters that photographing or sharing an image of a completed ballot paper is prohibited, as it compromises the secrecy of the vote.
The Electoral Act 73 of 1998 protects the secrecy of voting, while the applicable municipal electoral regulations provide for penalties, including a fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or both, for offences relating to ballot secrecy.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has repeatedly urged voters to protect the secrecy of their ballots, reminding them that photographs of inked thumbs are permitted, but images revealing how they voted are not.
The investigation into the matter has been referred to Gauteng SAPS. No formal charges or court appearance have been publicly confirmed.
