The Cape Town Civic Centre saw a dramatic standoff as opposition parties protested against the DA-led city council, demanding the suspension of two Mayco members following raids on their offices. The NCC leader, Fadiel Adams, challenged Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to a public debate, accusing him of protecting Smith and Limberg while simultaneously accusing Adams of leaking information about the raids.
National Council Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams has called for a public debate with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis following accusations that Adams leaked information about raids conducted at the Civic Centre . Adams stated that he met with Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile to inquire about the search conducted by Commercial Crimes detectives in the offices of Safety and Security Mayor al committee member (Mayco) Alderman JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg.
Shortly after, the Speaker announced a virtual council meeting instead of an in-person gathering. Opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), picketed outside the Civic Centre before the meeting, demanding the suspension of Smith and Limberg. They chanted struggle songs and attempted to enter the building but were barred by police, leading to a confrontation. They eventually entered through another entrance and placed cut-outs of Smith and Limberg's faces on the DA's seats inside the chambers. In a joint statement, the opposition parties expressed their disapproval of the DA's inaction and their intention to attend the first City Council meeting in person, despite their DA counterparts' absence. They denounced the virtual meeting as a tactic to shield Smith and Limberg from public scrutiny. The statement also called for Smith and Limberg to resign or be suspended pending the investigation's outcome. Mayor Hill-Lewis addressed the media during the protest, stating that he received detailed briefings regarding school fees paid and transactions at Louis Vuitton by former Mayco member for Human Settlements Malusi Booi. He emphasized that he acted based on the lack of explanation provided and suspended Booi. Hill-Lewis accused Adams of being the source of the leaked information about the search warrant and challenged him to a live debate, demanding proof to support Adams' claims.
Cape Town Civic Centre Raids Opposition Parties Mayor Debate Leak Investigation Political Corruption
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