ANC says Bulwane not implicated

The Free State ANC’s deputy chairperson William Bulwane has laid charges against a panelbeater who allegedly used his luxury vehicle to participate in a cash-in-transit heist, while it was supposedly left in his care for repairs.

According to the South African Police Service (Saps), the 38-year-old man driving a BMX X5 with no registration number was arrested after police noticed him driving the car in Bloemfontein and flagged down the car as being under suspicion of carrying illegal firearms.

They mobilised the Mangaung Tactical Response Team, and upon searching the vehicle, they uncovered and confiscated a R5 rifle, one LM5 rifle and a pistol all with serial numbers filed off, as well as a hand radio and an undisclosed amount of money.

Police also found a bag with equipment suspected to be used in heists and armed robberies.

The ANC in the Free State’s provincial secretary Paseka Nompondo said that the ANC got an explanation from Bulwane about the alleged use of his car in the suspected criminal activity and that Bulwane informed the party that he had no knowledge of such use.

Nompondo said: “He said his car was taken to a panelbeater for repairs. The car was not with comrade Bulwane for quite some time. The panelbeater was caught by the police while driving the car.

“We have heard and accepted his [Bulwane’s] explanation. The police are investigating the matter, he has given the police his full cooperation. He has made a statement under oath in terms of the fact that his car was taken to a panelbeater.”

Nompondo confirmed that Bulwane had laid a criminal charge at the police station against the panelbeater for using his car for committing the alleged crime.

Free State Saps spokesperson Thandi Mbambo confirmed that the suspect is expected to appear at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Hawks could not be reached for comment on whether they are investigating allegations that Bulwane was seen driving the car days after the alleged heist.

We are satisfied with Bulwane’s explanation.