ANC Sekhukhune region dismiss claims linking R25 heist suspect

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Sekhukhune Region, Limpopo, has refuted claims circulating on social media that one of the suspects arrested in connection with the R25 cash-in-transit heist near Bapsfontein, Gauteng, is a party member and local leader.

According to regional spokesperson Sam Uwane, the suspect, who hails from the Moutse East area, has never held any leadership role within the ANC, nor does his name appear in the organization’s membership database. “We have conducted an internal verification process, and our findings confirm that this individual is not an ANC member,” Uwane said. 

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The heist occurred on Friday night when police from Gauteng and Mpumalanga intercepted two vehicles linked to the crime along the R25 route between Bronkhorstspruit and Bapsfontein. During the operation, officers recovered unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and several vehicles. A shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of four suspects.

Uwane commended the police for their swift action and urged the public to verify information before sharing unverified claims online. “Spreading false information harms innocent people and damages the image of organizations,” he added.

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Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for another suspect who fled the scene on foot. The arrested individual is expected to appear in court soon to face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed firearms, and ammunition, among others.