An embattled JP Smith has taken to social media to defend his honour after a raid at the City of Cape Town’s offices on Friday. The police’s commercial crimes investigators descended on the offices of mayco members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg. Police say the probe is linked to further investigations into tender fraud in the construction sector and that it is linked to a case that is running before courts.

Smith claims he has been tipped-off that some political characters have been working on a smear campaign against him and has made reference to the ANC, the EFF, a private security company and members within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Smith adds that he has laid charges with the Federal Legal Commission of the DA against a councillor who has reportedly been plotting a political conspiracy against him.

‘TENDER FRAUD IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR’

“Further investigations into tender fraud in the construction sector within the City of Cape Town municipality have seen Western Cape SAPS Provincial Commercial Crimes investigators descending on the Municipality’s offices in Cape Town on this  morning. Several municipal officials and business owners are facing a myriad of charges that relate to the same investigation,” said Western Cape police Colonel Andre Traut.

No arrests have been made at this stage, and Smith maintains his innocence. He posted what he calls “the real version of truth” on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis called for an urgent briefing from SAPS. He also said that after speaking to Smith and Limberg, they have assured him that they will offer their full cooperation to the authorities.

‘ÁN URGENT BRIEFING BY SAPS’

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

Furthermore, DA Western Cape leader Tertius Simmers said the party is reserving its comment on the matter, and will only issue a detailed response once more details surrounding the allegations come to light.

Details are limited and we will hold back a comprehensive statement until the facts, context, and investigation details are better known. However, we are aware that no arrests have been made. We will monitor the situation closely and await further developments,” said Simmers.

Smith forms part of the party’s national leadership where he serves as one of the deputy federal chairpersons.

‘THE LOGICAL AND CONSISTENT THING TO DO IS TO IMMEDIATELY SUSPEND THEM’

In addition, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament Brett Herron headed to the Cape Town Civic Centre when news broke, to engage with the media. He also shared his sentiments surrounding what has transpired. Herron insists that the mayor and his administration must have been privy to the details surrounding this investigation. He has called for Smith and Limberg’s immediate suspension.

Police commercial crimes investigators have raided the offices of two Cape Town mayoral committee members. Good Party Secretary Brett Herron says City leadership ought to know what the raid is about and added that implicated officials must be removed from office.

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“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,” said Herron.