Hill-Lewis weighing evidence, not playing politics in Cape Town raids – Zille

Zille explained that the mayor’s decision regarding Booi was based on clear prima facie evidence presented by the police, indicating that Booi had a significant case to answer.

She urged for a calm and measured response, emphasising that the mayor was handling the current situation in the same manner as Booi’s case.

She said that Booi was suspended due to significant evidence presented by police, while in other cases – such as water and sanitation MMC Zahid Badroodien’s electricity meter bypass – officials were reinstated if they could clear their names. Similarly, an official accused of rape was not suspended due to lack of prima facie evidence.

Regarding JP Smith, Zille said Hill-Lewis had requested a police briefing before making a decision.

“All I know is that Geordin looks at what evidence there is, and he’s doing exactly the same with the JP Smith case.

“In the JP Smith case, he’s asked the police to extend to him the same courtesy as they extended to him with Malusi Booi and he says before he takes a decision to suspend, he’s got to check whether this is a political hit squad or whether there’s something genuine,” Zille said.

“And he says before he takes a decision to suspend, he has to check whether this is a political hit squad or whether there’s something genuine. He then says give a briefing on the prima facie evidence that still has to be tested in court, but I, as a responsible mayor, have to see if he’s got a genuine case to answer.”