CoCT's Hill-Lewis urged to provide evidence of being briefed by SAPS on Smith, Limberg raids
Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile has challenged Cape Town’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, to provide evidence that he was briefed by SAPS investigators regarding the recent raid at the city’s offices.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Picture: X/Geordinhl
CONTEXT AND EDITOR'S APOLOGY:
Editor’s note:
EWN reported that Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile challenged Cape Town’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, to provide evidence that he was briefed by SAPS (South African Police Service) investigators regarding the recent raid at the city’s offices.
CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile has challenged Cape Town’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, to provide evidence that he was briefed by SAPS investigators regarding the recent raid at the city’s offices.
SAPS commercial crimes investigators conducted a search of MMCs JP Smith and Zanthea Limberg’s offices two weeks ago, as part of an inquiry into a tender fraud case.
In response to political parties calling for the removal of the two MMCs, Hill-Lewis stated that the police who briefed him on the case did not provide any incriminating evidence to warrant their suspension.
Patekile said that Hill-Lewis must disclose who he spoke to, as police are mandated not to share details about an ongoing investigation.
"We only tell you when we charge you that now these are the allegations against you, these are the cases preferring against you. But when we search you, you have not been charged. Only after the fact, if there's a possible prima facie case, then we charge you. Then we inform you legally that you are officially now charged."