On Friday, January 24th, police raided the offices of Cape Town mayoral committee members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg, both from the Democratic Alliance (DA), as part of an ongoing investigation into housing tender fraud within the City of Cape Town municipality. The raid, conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Commercial Crimes Unit, is linked to a broader case involving corruption in the construction sector.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel André Traut, the investigation focuses on alleged tender fraud connected to municipal contracts. “No arrests have been made at this stage, and the investigation continues to build a strong case before the courts,” he stated. The offices were searched as part of forensic investigations into a case already before the courts.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed the raid and stated that Smith and Limberg have offered full cooperation to law enforcement. However, he emphasized the lack of clarity regarding the specific allegations against the officials. The mayor has requested a briefing from SAPS to determine necessary actions, including potential suspensions.
Opposition parties, including the African National Congress (ANC) and the GOOD Party, have called for the immediate suspension of Smith and Limberg to ensure transparency and prevent interference with the investigation. ANC provincial spokesperson Khalid Sayed highlighted previous allegations of Smith being “untouchable,” while GOOD Party leader Brett Herron criticized the mayor for inconsistent responses to corruption cases within the DA.
The incident follows similar controversies in Cape Town’s municipal government. In 2023, former mayoral committee member Malusi Booi was suspended and later arrested for his involvement in tender fraud linked to the 28s gang. Critics argue that the current investigation mirrors previous scandals, fueling concerns about systemic corruption.
Smith has denied wrongdoing, alleging that the raid is part of a politically motivated campaign against him. He claimed to have received recordings implicating political actors and SAPS members in a conspiracy to tarnish his reputation.
As the investigation unfolds, public and political pressure mounts for greater accountability within Cape Town’s municipal leadership. The SAPS has pledged to continue its probe, ensuring that those involved in corruption face justice.
