Afrika Mayibuye Movement president Floyd Shivambu and members of his team were targeted in a vehicle break-in at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront on Wednesday, resulting in the theft of several valuable personal belongings.
According to Shivambu, the incident happened shortly before the party was due to attend a verification meeting for its ward councillor candidates ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The team had parked a hired vehicle when suspected thieves allegedly broke into it and made off with multiple items.
Among the stolen belongings were a travel bag, a handbag, and a backpack containing expensive electronic devices and important personal documents. Shivambu said the stolen items included a MacBook Pro laptop, two iPads, watches, bank cards, personal identity documents, and other valuables.
Following the incident, security officials at the V&A Waterfront reviewed surveillance footage from the area. Images believed to show the suspected thief were obtained from the Waterfront’s security and control centre and handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to assist with the investigation.
A criminal case has since been registered at Table Bay Harbour Police Station. Shivambu revealed that while reporting the matter, he noticed several other people at the police station who had also fallen victim to similar vehicle break-ins in the area, raising concerns about the frequency of such crimes.
The robbery took place as the Afrika Mayibuye Movement continues its nationwide process of physically verifying ward councillor candidates. The verification programme forms part of the party’s preparations for the upcoming municipal elections and follows an Extended Politburo resolution aimed at finalising candidate selections across the country.
Despite the setback, Shivambu said the incident would not derail the party’s election campaign or its scheduled activities. He stressed that the movement remains committed to completing its verification process and continuing its work with communities nationwide.
Speaking after the break-in, Shivambu maintained that the theft would not distract the organisation from its political goals. He said the movement would press ahead with its programme, adding that no act of criminality would prevent the party from pursuing its objectives ahead of the elections.
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Vehicle break-ins remain a concern in several busy tourist and commercial areas across South Africa, where criminals often target unattended vehicles in search of valuables. Authorities have repeatedly advised motorists to avoid leaving bags, electronic devices, and other valuable items inside parked vehicles, even for short periods.
Police are continuing their investigation into the Cape Town incident and are expected to examine available surveillance footage and other evidence to identify and locate those responsible. No arrests had been announced at the time of reporting.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact SAPS or report information through the Crime Stop hotline. The investigation remains ongoing.
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