Cape Town – Despite pressure from opposition parties, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has refused to bow to pressure to remove two Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) suspected of wrongdoing.
Last week, the police swooped on the 6th floor of the Cape Town Civic Centre in search of evidence of wrongdoing related to dodgy tenders.
The floor, which was raided on Friday, (24 January 2025), houses the Mayor and his Members of the Mayoral Committee.
It later emerged that police had searched the offices of Mayoral Committee Members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg in connection with possible tender fraud.
Since then, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has been under pressure to remove them from office as he did with Malusi Booi, the former MMC for Human Settlements, who was subsequently arrested for tender fraud.
His matter is before the court.
However, on Wednesday, (29 January 2025), Mayor Hill-Lewis said he had met with the police and was satisfied that there was not enough evidence to remove the two MMCs.
Following a meeting with the SA Police Service (SAPS) Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Hill-Lewis said he has “determined that there was insufficient evidence”, at this stage, to justify the removal of JP Smith and Limberg from the Cape Town Mayoral Committee.
“I requested a briefing from SAPS following the execution of a search warrant at the offices of two Mayoral Committee members on 24 January,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
“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 wrong-doing exists.
“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.
“In the circumstances, and unless such substantive evidence is forthcoming, there is no basis to suspend either of them from the Mayoral Committee.”
Earlier Wednesday, the African National Congress, GOOD Party, Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus, and the Patriotic Alliance issued a joint statement expressing deep concern about statements made by Councillor JP Smith and Helen Zille of the DA, relating to the ongoing police investigation into tender fraud.
“We urge the SAPS to remain steadfast in its commitment to justice and transparency, ensuring that those who are implicated are held accountable without fear or favour,” the joint statement said.
“The people of the Western Cape deserve answers, and this matter must be addressed with urgency to restore public confidence in our institutions.”
Unfazed, Mayor Hill-Lewis said has also sought legal advice.
“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,” Mayor Hill-Lewis said.
“Should substantive evidence of alleged wrong-doing 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.
“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.”
Responding to criticism about different treatment for JP Smith and Limberg as opposed to the swift action taken against Booi, Mayor Hill-Lewis explained: “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.”
