No substantive evidence to remove Cape Town MMCs amid SAPS probe – Mayor

HIll-Lewis

Cape Town – Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says there is no substantive evidence to warrant the removal of councillors JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg from the Mayoral Committee, following a meeting with the police.

Smith, the Mayco member for Safety and Security, and Limberg are under investigation in connection with alleged housing tender fraud.

Last week, the South African Police Service (SAPS) executed a search warrant at their offices as part of the probe.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hill-Lewis said he had requested a briefing from SAPS but was not presented with any evidence of wrongdoing.

“I requested a briefing from SAPS following the execution of a search warrant at the offices of two Mayoral Committee members on 24 January.

“I met with SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Patekile and two of his officials on 29 January, who could not provide any indication of whether substantive evidence of wrongdoing exists,” Hill-Lewis said.

He said that the execution of a search warrant does not imply criminal wrongdoing.

“SAPS confirmed to me that the execution of a search warrant is in no way indicative of a crime, and I have not been provided with any substantive evidence of alleged wrong-doing by either of the Mayco members in question.

Hill-Lewis added that, unless credible evidence emerges, there is no justification for suspending Smith or Limberg.

“In the circumstances, and unless such substantive evidence is forthcoming, there is no basis to suspend either of them from the Mayoral Committee.

“I have further sought and since received a legal opinion from senior counsel affirming my view that this is the correct course of action in the current circumstance.

“Should substantive evidence of alleged wrongdoing come to light at any stage, I will assess what action is required to defend and uphold the integrity of our government in the City.

He said that both Mayco members were fully cooperating with the SAPS investigation.

“Their co-operation has been offered at all times, even prior to the search.”

Hill-Lewis emphasised key distinctions between the search conducted at Smith and Limberg’s offices and the case of former MMC for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, who is currently facing charges related to an alleged R1 billion tender fraud scandal involving suspected 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield.

“Full co-operation is being provided by the MayCo members to aid SAPS in their inquiry, as confirmed to me by both SAPS and Aldermen Smith and Limberg. Their co-operation has been offered at all times, even prior to the search.
“It should be pointed out that there are crucial differences between this and the earlier matter relating to Malusi Booi, which has since proceeded to trial.
“In the Malusi Booi matter, SAPS gave me insight into substantive evidence of alleged corruption and advised me of their intention to make an arrest. This enabled me to act based on credible and substantive evidence, which is absent at this stage in this matter,” he said.

Article written by