{
  "id": 6281975,
  "title": "Former heist kingpin and podcaster Skeem GP throws his hat in for Ekurhuleni mayoral race",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/former-heist-kingpin-and-podcaster-skeem-gp-throws-his-hat-in-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T12:06:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/entertainment/celebrity-news/former-heist-kingpin-and-podcaster-skeem-gp-throws-his-hat-in-for-ekurhuleni-mayoral-race/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Skeem GP, the former cash-in-transit heist offender and podcaster, has entered the Ekurhuleni mayoral race. Themba Lukhele Nzimande, also known as Skeem GP, will be the Afrika Mayibuye Movement's candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng. This comes ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. Nzimande has gained attention due to his personal journey from seven years in prison to his current public life. He has openly shared his story of rehabilitation and crime prevention. His political entry was announced by party president Floyd Shivambu. Nzimande, from Katlehong, has founded the Skeem GP Foundation, which focuses on youth development, rehabilitation for former offenders, and crime prevention. He also hosts a podcast, Against the Wall, which discusses prison life, crime, and rehabilitation. Party members have defended Nzimande’s selection, emphasizing his rehabilitation and community work. This decision has sparked discussions about his criminal record and suitability for political office. As Ekurhuleni prepares for the upcoming local government elections, Nzimande's candidacy adds a new dimension to the political race. Voters will need to weigh his background, policies, and vision for the municipality as they make their decisions.",
  "summary": "Skeem GP enters the political spotlight",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}