Smith was arrested after a sting operation following a period of surveillance.
Police said Smith was arrested with two foreign nationals in “an intelligence driven operation by members attached to Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations Unit, Vredendal Crime Intelligence, Flying Squad, Crime Prevention, Vehicle Crime Investigations Unit and Provincial Narcotics”.
Police spokesperson Frederick Van Wyk said: “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.”
He said that police had found that the the targets of the crime were registered car owners who were approached by a bogus buyer who made electronic payments and sent fraudulent bank notifications to the seller, prompting the release of the vehicle with documentation.
“A successful integrated undercover operation was conducted, which also led to the seizure of a white BMW. As the investigation progresses, more arrests could be made.”
Smith and the other two suspects are due to appear in the Vredendal Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Reacting to the news of the arrest on Tuesday evening, ANC interim provincial committee (IPC) convenor Lerumo Kalako said the party had only just heard the news and would be following up to get more details.
“As you are aware, Smith is already on a step aside, but we will probe the matter and we will be getting in touch with him to get him to explain himself.”
Provincial ANC spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said the ANC was still gathering the facts, but would comment and release a statement around the arrest at the appropriate time.
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