Cape Town mayor Hill-Lewis seeks answers as SAPS raid offices of MMCs

24 January 2025 - 14:08 By TIMESLIVE
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is seeking clarity on a police raid at the municipality offices. File photo.
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is seeking clarity on a police raid at the municipality offices. File photo.
Image: Samane JNR Marks

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has requested an urgent briefing from SAPS after commercial crimes investigators raided the offices of two MMCs on Friday.

“I note the raid by authorities at the offices of MMCs JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg, who have informed me they’ve offered full co-operation to the SAPS but have not been made aware of the allegations” said Hill-Lewis.

“I’ve requested an urgent briefing from SAPS to understand the details of this matter and will determine further actions once this has been received.”

Limberg is the MMC for energy and Smith the MMC for safety and security.

Provincial commercial crimes investigators descended on the municipality's offices on Friday morning.

Their presence is part of forensic investigations which emanate from a case before court. Several municipal officials and business owners face a myriad of charges that relate to the same investigation,” said police spokesperson Col Andrè Traut.

However, police did not release further details about the raid.

Whether the investigations the commercial crimes detective team is embarking upon now will lead to arrests remains to be seen. No-one has been arrested. The team requests space to conduct its investigation,” said Traut.

“Speculation about who the investigation is directed at, seizure of items and possible arrests would be premature. It would be out of the norm for SAPS investigators to discuss pertinent details of their investigations. The focus is on presenting a strong case before court.”

Former human settlements MMC Malusi Booi was arrested last year along with several other suspects and accused of being part of a criminal enterprise that unlawfully secured lucrative city tenders.

Hill-Lewis added: "‘In the earlier matter relating to Malusi Booi, I was offered and given a full briefing by SAPS and have requested the same courtesy be extended to me in this matter as soon as possible.”

TimesLIVE


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.