Cape Town MMC JP Smith labels raid a smear campaign

CAPE TOWN - Cape Town's Safety and Security MMC, JP Smith claims there's a smear campaign to remove him following police raids on his office.

The Commercial Crimes Unit on Friday also conducted a search at the offices of Energy MMC, Xanthea Limberg.

The probe is related to a tender fraud in the construction sector and a case that's already before the courts involving former Human Settlements MMC, Malusi Booi.

In a lengthy post on Facebook, JP Smith said months ago he was tipped off that some political actors had been working on a smear campaign and mobilised a political 'hit squad' against him.

He suggests there may be a political conspiracy against him by political office bearers, a private security company and possibly past or present members of the SAPS.

READ: Police raid offices of Cape Town mayoral committee members

He revealed claims of audio recordings, parts of which he describes as quite alarming, and suggesting illegal and deeply unethical behaviour by those involved, with the intention of “character assassination.”

Smith said he's laid charges with the Federal Legal Commission of the Democratic Alliance against one of the councillors identified on some of the recordings and adds it's his intention to engage police as well.

Meanwhile, DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers said the party will wait for a formal briefing from police before it can take a decision.

"However we are aware no arrests have been made, we will monitor the situation closely, and await for further development."

Smith said if the SAPS is being used to remove him from office it would be a shame.