Gloves are off, the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has called for the axing of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor who was arrested for being involved in criminal activities.
The EFF councillor is one of the 7 suspects aged between 34 and 70 years of age, who were apprehended in different locations around Seshego and Moletji respectively, outside Polokwane for stealing firearms and ammunition on Thursday night, 14 December 2023, following a burglary committed at the Provincial Stock Theft Office of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Polokwane.
ANC provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka said: “The ANC in Limpopo expresses profound dismay at the alleged involvement of an EFF Councillor from Ward 10, Polokwane, in criminal activities. This has come to the attention of the ANC that the EFF Ward Councillor is one of seven (7) persons arrested in connection with theft of firearms and ammunition from a police station.
“The ANC underscores the importance of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty; however, we believe the removal of the EFF Ward Councillor in question, is in the best interest of Ward 10 residents. This arrest underscores our concern that the EFF may be harboring individuals with criminal inclinations under the guise of political activism.”
The ANC in Limpopo told The Azanian that the ruling party commits to vigilant monitoring of developments in this matter and urges the EFF to take decisive action against their member, avoiding any attempts to conceal or downplay the severity of the allegations.
EFF could not be reached for comment before publishing.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the intelligence-driven joint operation, conducted from the early hours of 28th until 29th December 2023, resulted in the confiscation of seven firearms, including five stolen rifles, two pistols, more than 400 live rounds of ammunition and some explosives.
Police also recovered and seized three motor vehicles (two sedans and an SUV) as part of the ongoing investigations.
Preliminary information revealed that one of the suspects was being sought in connection with cases of murder and robberies committed around Polokwane, and a warrant of arrest was issued on a case of murder in which he failed to appear in court.
"We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity within our organization, and any deviation from those standards will be dealt with decisively. Anyone who will be found to be in conflict with the law within our ranks will be subjected to the Criminal Justice System without fear or favour," remarked Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Internal investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the negligence that led to firearms being stolen at the Provincial Stock Theft office in Polokwane.
All suspects will appear before Seshego Magistrate's Court on 02nd January 2024, facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and possession of illegal explosives.
Police investigations are ongoing.
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