African National Congress, ANC, MPL Danville Smith, arrest, SAPS, South African Police Service, fraud and attempted car theft

ANC MPL Danville Smith, who has stepped aside, has allegedly been arrested by Vredendal SAPS. Photo: @WCProvParl / Twitter and Stock Image / Pixabay

ANC MPL on step aside Danville Smith allegedly arrested by SAPS

ANC MPL Danville Smith has allegedly been arrested by Vredendal SAPS for fraud and attempted car theft, according to reports.

African National Congress, ANC, MPL Danville Smith, arrest, SAPS, South African Police Service, fraud and attempted car theft

ANC MPL Danville Smith, who has stepped aside, has allegedly been arrested by Vredendal SAPS. Photo: @WCProvParl / Twitter and Stock Image / Pixabay

African National Congress (ANC) MPL Danville Smith has been arrested. Vredendal SAPS arrested Smith on charges of fraud and attempted car theft after conducting a sting operation that followed a period of surveillance.

Intelligence-driven operation members followed a lead about motor vehicle thefts

An intelligence-driven operation by members of the Vredendal Crime Intelligence, Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations Unit, Flying Squad, Vehicle Crime Investigations Unit, Crime Prevention and Provincial Narcotics arrested Smith with two foreign nationals.

Spokesperson for the SAPS Frederick van Wyk said they became aware of a Modus Operandi of motor vehicle theft.

Vredendal Clusters became aware of a modus operandi of theft of motor vehicles during the past six months, emanating from owners advertising their vehicles on social media. The registered owners of the vehicle were approached by a bogus buyer who made electronic payments and sent fraudulent bank notifications to the seller, which prompted the release of the vehicle with documentation,”

said Van Wyk.

ANC will gather more information before making a statement

After a successful integrated undercover operation was conducted, a white BMW was seized. Van Wyk said more arrests could follow as the investigation progresses continue. Smith and the two foreign nationals are expected to appear before the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 9 June.

IOL reported that ANC interim provincial committee convenor Lerumo Kalako said the party had only just heard the news of Smith’s arrest and would be following up to get more details. Kalaka also mentioned that Smith has already stepped aside.

ANC MPL Danville Smith has allegedly been arrested by Vredendal SAPS for fraud and attempted car theft, according to reports.

Smith stepped aside in May 2021 for another case

In May 2021, Smith stepped aside from his position as ANC MPL. This followed allegations that he was involved in corrupt activities. He also appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Bellville.

Smith, at the time, claimed he was innocent. He put the blame for his troubles on his political rivals and stated that he would work with the Hawks to get to the bottom of the charges that were put against him.

Smith also said he would be happy to clear his name in court.

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