GOOD Statement by Brett Herron ,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament
24 January 2025
The GOOD Party is shocked to have learnt that the Western Cape SAPS Provincial Commercial Crimes investigators descended on the 6th floor of the Cape Town Civic Centre. The floor is home to the Mayor and his Mayoral committee members.
The authorities raided the offices of Safety and Security MMC, JP Smith and Energy MMC Xanthia Limberg.
According to a statement issued by Police, the probe is investigating tender fraud in the construction sector within the City of Cape Town municipality and is part of forensic investigations which emanate from a case that is running before courts.
The GOOD Party believes that no one is above the law and we urge the mayor and his officials to cooperate fully with the police.
The raiding of the offices of Cape Town MMCs Smith and Limberg demands an explanation from the DA and Mayor Hill-Lewis.
This raid has followed a similar process to that of former Mayco Member Malusi Booi.
First the raid, then the Mayor’s surprise, then his call for a briefing from SAPS.
The theatre is dishonest and disrespectful.
The Mayor and the administration must have been aware of an investigation in which these two MMCs were allegedly implicated.
Hill-Lewis has a duty to share with the public what they are under investigation for and when he became aware.
The personal relationship between Smith and Limberg only adds more fuel and speculation to an unexplained fire.
Hill-Lewis must also explain whether Smith and Limberg will be suspended, as he did with Booi, and removed from their offices.
If the investigation involves City matters or corruption, then they cannot be in office.
Their continued presence could impede the investigation or at least give the perception of being in a position to impede.
The logical and consistent thing to do is to immediately suspend them.
Media enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament
Cell: 082 5183264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Samantha Jackson, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 083 5509875
Email: samantha@forgood.org.za