The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape is demanding the immediate suspension of Cape Town’s MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, following his involvement in a tender fraud investigation.
This comes after a significant police raid on Smith’s office, as well as that of fellow MMC Xanthea Limberg, on Friday.
The raid is reportedly linked to the corruption cases involving former Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor and MMC for Housing, Malusi Booi, who was recently fired.
ANC Claims Pattern of Corruption in DA-led Cape Town
The ANC has highlighted that these allegations are part of a larger pattern of corruption in the DA-led City of Cape Town and other municipalities across the Western Cape.
They are now calling on both national and provincial DA leaders, including Helen Zille and John Steenhuisen, to address these serious accusations.
The ANC further insists on the immediate suspension of both Smith and Limberg until the investigation is concluded.
“The ANC calls for the immediate suspension of JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg pending the outcome of the investigation.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s request for a briefing from SAPS on the matter could lead to political interference and further undermine the credibility of the investigation,” said Khalid Sayed, ANC Western Cape spokesperson.
DA Leader Responds to Tender Fraud Allegations
Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen has said that the party will take action once the facts emerge.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, he stressed that it is too early to make conclusions based on speculation.
“Once the facts have emerged and the prima facie evidence is on the table, we will determine how to proceed.
For now, it remains speculation, but it’s something I’m certainly watching closely,” Steenhuisen said.
JP Smith Denies Allegations, Claims Political Conspiracy
In the wake of the raid, JP Smith has denied any wrongdoing and suggested that he has been the target of a political smear campaign.
He claims to have been alerted months ago about certain political actors who were allegedly orchestrating a “hit squad” against him.
“I was warned about this months ago, and some of you may have noticed that certain politicians are seemingly receiving ‘briefings’ or involving themselves in a police investigation that should be confidential,” Smith said.
Smith also mentioned that he had received recordings indicating a political conspiracy against him.
These recordings allegedly revealed a coordinated effort involving political office-bearers, a private security company, and possibly members within SAPS.
The recordings hint that the motivations for the smear campaign stem from Smith’s position, with some claiming he was “standing in the way of too much.”
What’s Next for JP Smith and the Investigation?
The future of both JP Smith and the ongoing investigation remains uncertain.
The ANC continues to push for his suspension, while Smith maintains his innocence and challenges the legitimacy of the probe.
As the situation unfolds, both parties are bracing for the next steps in the investigation, with a potential resolution expected to be reached as more facts come to light.
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