The Cape Town mayor's office was raided by police as part of an investigation into allegations of tender corruption and obstruction of justice. GOOD Party officials criticized the decision to hold the first City council meeting virtually, suspecting it was an attempt to avoid public scrutiny.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel André Traut, stated that a recent raid was part of an ongoing investigation. The raid targeted the home and office of Cape Town 's mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, and the office of his mayoral committee member, Zandile Limberg. The investigation focuses on allegations of tender corruption and obstruction of justice related to a multi-million rand construction tender.
Brett Herron, the secretary-general of the GOOD Party, expressed shock at the change of the first City council meeting for 2025 from an in-person to a virtual format. Herron stated that the GOOD Party was informed via an email from City Speaker Felicity Purchase, notifying all councillors of the shift. He believes this change is a veiled attempt to shield Smith and Limberg from public scrutiny during the investigation. The GOOD Party maintains that Smith and Limberg should step down while the investigation progresses, asserting that their continued presence could hinder the investigation or at least give the impression of potential interference. Herron welcomed the confirmation from Speaker Purchase that the legal fees of those involved will not be covered by the City. He emphasized that the provision for City-funded legal representation is reserved for cases arising from an office holder or staff member's official duties. The alleged tender corruption and obstruction of justice, according to Herron, do not fall under official duties. Following the raid, the mayor's office issued a statement indicating that Hill-Lewis had requested an urgent briefing from SAPS to gain a clearer understanding of the situation. He intends to take necessary actions once he receives comprehensive information. Questions have been raised regarding Hill-Lewis' handling of this case compared to his swift response in removing Malusi Booi after his office was raided. Booi was suspended the next day, and subsequently fired from Council eight days later. Booi is currently facing charges in court alongside eight co-accused for their alleged involvement in construction tender fraud worth a billion rand
Tender Corruption Investigation Cape Town Mayor GOOD Party
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