The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Western Cape said it was encouraged by Cape Town Safety and Security MMC JP Smith and Water and Sanitation MMC Xanthea Limberg’s cooperation with the South African Police Services (Saps) to expose the possibility of political actors spearheading a smear campaign, which is of concern to the party. 

The DA also commended the Mayoral Committee (Mayco) members’ full commitment to support the Saps in their inquiry.

Last week the Saps specialised crime unit raided Smith and Limberg’s offices, as part of investigations into a tender fraud case in the construction sector within the City of Cape Town.

Opposition parties have been calling on Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to remove Smith and Limberg from office, to protect the integrity of the city council.

The DA said Hill-Lewis’ decision to let the investigation against Mayco members without “bowing to opposition pressure or making decisions in haste” against Smith and Limberg, demonstrated “tact and respect” for due process.

DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers said the party welcomed the recent developments following Hill-Lewis’ urgent briefing with Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile, where it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence to warrant the suspension or removal of Smith and Limberg from office.

Meanwhile, opposition parties in the Western Cape welcomed confirmation from Patekile that he would meet with them on Monday.

On Wednesday, the African National Congress, GOOD Party, Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus, and the Patriotic Alliance called for an urgent meeting to address the importance of safeguarding the Saps’ investigations from political interference.

The parties also wanted clarity on whether there was any substance to Smith and Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille’s claim of political machinations behind the investigation, as Smith had claimed that the investigation was politically motivated and part of a plot against him.

The parties pointed out that Smith and Limberg‘s allegations raised serious questions about the integrity of the investigation and the possibility of political interference in the work of the Saps.