ANC Branded Bakkie Sparks Police Probe Amid Former Secretary’s Denial

A seemingly ordinary ANC-branded bakkie has become the centre of a political and legal storm in the Western Cape, with former provincial secretary Neville Delport caught in a tense dispute over alleged theft.

Police confirmed on Thursday that a case of vehicle theft had been lodged against Delport at Piketberg Police Station on Monday. According to provincial police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala, the complainant alleges the bakkie was booked into a Worcester garage but removed without permission in July 2025. “No arrest has been made yet; the matter is under investigation,” Gwala said.

ANC Claims Bakkie Remains in Delport’s Possession

The ANC Western Cape insists Delport failed to return the bakkie after leaving the party for the DA in November 2025. Spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said repeated requests to hand over the vehicle were ignored.

“He has ignored repeated requests to return the bakkie to the ANC Western Cape. The ANC has been left with no choice but to open a criminal case against Mr Delport, whose nostalgia for the ANC has now crossed into criminal territory,” Mtsweni said, framing the matter as a mix of personal loyalty and political fallout.

The party alleges that Delport has treated party property as his own and expects law enforcement to intervene promptly.

Delport Hits Back: ‘Sour Grapes and Politics’

Delport, speaking to the Cape Times, denied the ANC’s allegations, claiming he never had possession of the bakkie. “I never drove that bakkie. During the Bonnievale by-elections and subsequent celebrations, I left the bakkie. It had mechanical issues, so the candidate took it to a garage in Worcester. It’s been there for two months,” he said.

He added, “If you claim the bakkie is in my possession, go check my house. Come with evidence. Don’t spread lies about me. This fight is about me leaving the ANC for the DA. The bakkie is unroadworthy, and the license expired two years ago. What would I do with it?”

Delport also accused the ANC of trying to derail his campaign efforts ahead of a key Graafwater by-election, suggesting that the timing of the criminal complaint is politically motivated.

Social Media Buzz and Public Reaction

The story has stirred conversation online, particularly among Western Cape residents active in political discussions. Many Twitter and X users joked about the irony of a bakkie sparking a police investigation, while others debated whether the dispute was genuinely about property or a proxy for political rivalry.

One user noted, “Only in South African politics can a bakkie create headlines bigger than policy debates.” Another highlighted the practical side: “Expired license, mechanical issues… maybe the ANC should just scrap it and focus on elections.”

The Legal Angle

While the SAPS investigation continues, the case highlights a rarely publicized intersection of party politics and criminal law. Vehicle theft complaints in South Africa are treated seriously, and the police will need to determine whether the bakkie was indeed unlawfully retained, or if Delport’s claims about its unroadworthiness and garage location hold merit.

Experts say the case could set a precedent for how political party assets are managed and disputes resolved when officials defect to rival parties.

What’s Next?

For now, the bakkie remains a symbol of political tension, with its location and ownership at the heart of a growing narrative. Delport is expected to appear before investigators if SAPS deems it necessary, while the ANC awaits clarity on the vehicle’s status.

Whether this dispute will sway the upcoming Graafwater by-election remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in South African politics, even a bakkie can become a headline-making battleground.

{Source: IOL}

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