Political parties reacts to the raid of two City of Cape Town MMC's

Political parties have reacted to the raid of two City of Cape Town mayoral committee members on Friday.

Western Cape’s Provincial Commercial Crimes investigators descended on the offices of MMC for Safety & Security, JP Smith, and MMC for Energy, Xanthea Limberg as part of ‘’forensic investigations which is from a case that is currently running before courts’’, linked to tender fraud in the province's construction sector.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis has requested an urgent briefing from SAPS to understand the details of this matter. The former Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, is among several people facing tender fraud charges worth over R1 billion, linked to alleged notorious Cape Town gang boss Ralph Stanfield.

The GOOD Party, who said it is ‘’shocked’’ at the raid, urged the mayor and his officials to cooperate fully with the police.

‘’The raiding of the offices of Cape Town MMCs Smith and Limberg demands an explanation from the DA and Mayor Hill-Lewis. This raid has followed a similar process to that of former Mayco Member Malusi Booi. First the raid, then the Mayor’s surprise, then his call for a briefing from SAPS. The theatre is dishonest and disrespectful,’’ said Brett Herron, GOOD’s Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament.

‘’The Mayor and the administration must have been aware of an investigation in which these two MMCs were allegedly implicated. Hill-Lewis has a duty to share with the public what they are under investigation for and when he became aware.

‘’The personal relationship between Smith and Limberg only adds more fuel and speculation to an unexplained fire. Hill-Lewis must also explain whether Smith and Limberg will be suspended, as he did with Booi, and removed from their offices. If the investigation involves City matters or corruption, then they cannot be in office.Their continued presence could impede the investigation or at least give the perception of being in a position to impede. The logical and consistent thing to do is to immediately suspend them,’’ added Herron.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Western Cape said it is concerned about these allegations.

‘’The DA-led municipality has now been implicated in what can only be described as a deep and systemic web of corruption, especially within the housing and construction sectors. This corruption is particularly damning, given the crisis of housing backlogs and infrastructure failures affecting the people of Cape Town. It is no coincidence that these allegations emerge in the same sector plagued by the ‘construction mafia’ and protection rackets. The EFF has long maintained that political elements are behind this phenomenon, and these raids validate our assertions. The DA’s administration has not only failed to provide leadership in addressing this crisis but has seemingly facilitated criminality and collusion at the expense of the people it claims to serve,’’ said Leigh-Ann Mathys, EFF National spokesperson.

‘’The EFF calls for the swift and thorough prosecution of all those implicated in corruption within the City of cape Town and the Democratic alliance at large. We demand transparency in these investigations, as they reveal the true nature of the DA’s governance model; one of the prioritises profit and patronage over accountability and service delivery,’’ she added.

Police said their focus for now is on presenting a strong case before court.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Wanted suspect arrested in Overberg

Western Cape police made a breakthrough when they arrested a wanted suspect for murder and rape.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Police said Milnerton police attended to a crime scene on New Year’s Day in Du Noon, and found the naked body of a 26-year-old woman at about 19:00 at Ngena Street.

‘’Initially, an inquest case was registered for investigation. During the post mortem it was determined that she was raped and strangled to death. Statements were obtained and the only person who had access to the house and who was last seen at the house before the body was discovered, was the male suspect believed to be from Nyanga area. The suspect could not be traced and according to information received he was hiding somewhere in Grabouw area,’’ said Captain F.C. van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Van Wyk said officers were patrolling the Barrydale area on Tuesday when they found a suspicious looking person walking in the street.

‘’The members stopped the male suspect and interrogated him. During this interrogation the suspect admitted to be a wanted suspect in a Milnerton murder and rape case committed in Dunoon. The suspect was immediately arrested when the members confirm the incident with Milnerton SAPS detectives.’’

The 40-year-old male suspect will appear at the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Friday on the mentioned charges.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

New route for MyCiti buses heading into Cape Town CBD

MyCiti buses heading into the Cape Town Central Business district (CBD) will deviate from Monday morning, 27 January 2025.

PHOTO: MyCiti

These buses moves at a glacial pace when it approaches Hospital Bend on theN2 inbound. The City of Cape Town says it has assessed the impact of slow moving MyCiTi buses and has investigated several route deviations in recent weeks.

‘’The N2 Express service is one of our most popular MyCiTi routes, and the buses travelling to and from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha to the Civic Centre station are usually full. Given the steep gradient at Hospital Bend and being at full capacity, the inbound buses are travelling at very low speeds towards the city centre. This adds to the congestion in the peak morning periods, and as such, we decided to explore alternative routes where the buses do not need to travel up Hospital Bend. The new route alignment for the inbound buses may add additional travelling time for commuters using the N2 Express service, however, this is a safer and more cost-effective alternative going forward and will aid us in our mission to keep Cape Town moving,’’ said Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.

As from Monday morning:

·        Inbound buses will exit the N2 freeway towards the M5 Black River Parkway; travel along the M5 and take the off-ramp onto the N1/FW de Klerk Boulevard

·        Buses will travel along FW de Klerk Boulevard, take the off-ramp onto Christiaan Barnard Street and turn right onto Hertzog Boulevard at the Civic Centre station

·        The new route will be followed every day, including Sundays and public holidays

·        The service schedules will be adjusted accordingly, once the new inbound route alignment has been operational for a few days and teething problems addressed

‘’As is the case with all route changes, we anticipate it will take a while for the new route alignment to settle in, and for commuters to adjust. That said, the vehicle operating company operating the N2 Express service has engaged commuters and drivers to alert them to the upcoming change. We have deviated buses along this route in the past when we had incidents along the N2 inbound, and I trust it will not take too long for all to get used to the new route. We will monitor the impact of the change continuously, and make further adjustments if needed,’’ said Quintas.

The MMC said the outbound MyCiTi buses traveling from the Civic Centre station towards Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain will still follow the normal N2 Express route to their destinations.

 MyCiTi commuters are advised to use the MyCiTi website or app for the latest bus times, or to call the Transport Information Centre on 0860 65 64 63.

 

Done by: Bush Radio News reporter

Planned electricity outage for Observatory, Salt River and parts of Woodstock

Residents of Observatory, Salt River and parts of Woodstock, are up for a 12-hour power interruption, from Friday evening

The City of Cape Town has planned infrastructure upgrades. The work will be carried out overnight from 20:00 on Friday to 08:00 on Saturday.

COURTESY: City of Cape Town

Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg warns that the electricity supply could be restored at any time and customers must treat all electrical installations as live for the full duration of the interruption.

‘’Please note that the outage duration is an estimation and restoration could be delayed due to the complex nature of the infrastructure work. Our teams will work as quickly as possible to complete the work within the communicated time. If the electrical loads are too high on restoration, or unforeseen matters occur, the restoration times could be impacted.’’

Limberg encouraged residents to switch off appliances as a precaution and to avoid damage caused by power surges when the power comes back on.

Groote Schuur hospital has sent out a notice of a temporary change in visiting hours on Friday due to the planned outage. Visiting hours will take place from 18:00 to 19:00 on Friday, and normal visiting hours will resume on Saturday from 7p.m to 8p.m.

 

Done By: Shaneca Cupido

Francine Higham appointed as new Cape Town MMC for Community Services and Health

Francine Higham has been appointed as the new Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, replacing Patricia van der Ross. The announcement was made by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on Thursday.

PHOTO: Facebook - Cllr Francine Higham - Ward 77, Cape Town

Higham is also the councillor of Ward 77 since 2021, which includes Tamboerskloof, Vredehoek, Oranjezicht, Signal Hill, Schotschekloof, Bo-Kaap and parts of Gardens, as well as the Portfolio Committee for Community Services and Health.

She was born in Cape Town and grew up in the Eastern Cape, where she completed her Bachelor of Journalism at Rhodes University. Higham previously served in the Western Cape Government as the Media Liaison Officer for the provincial Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC.

‘’Councillor Higham has been at the forefront of our efforts to expand Safe Space shelter in the CBD and help more people off the streets sustainably by offering social developmental interventions and dignified transitional shelter. As the Ward councillor for parts of the City Bowl and Bo-Kaap, Francine also has important insight into the daily challenges the City faces in our mission to ensure quality community facilities and parks for Capetonians. She also brings years of communications experience from both the private sector and government to help us consolidate the societal partnerships needed in this critical community service delivery portfolio,’’ said Geordin Hill-Lewis, Cape Town Mayor.

On her new appointment, Higham says she feels ‘incredibly honoured and humbled’

‘’I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with the Directorate to ensure our community facilities and public spaces are wonderful and safe for all to enjoy, and that the most vulnerable in our communities are being assisted through our many social care programmes. ‘’

While this new position comes with considerable additional responsibility, I will still remain as the Councillor for Ward 77 and I look forward to serving all our residents in the City of Cape Town to the best of my ability. An exciting year ahead!,’’ said Francine Higham, MMC for Community Services & Health

The Mayor thanked van der Ross for heading the MMC position since 22 November 2021.

‘’My thanks to Councillor Patricia van der Ross for her work in this portfolio, and I wish her all the best in her continued work serving the residents of Subcouncil 6 and the broader metro as a member of various Portfolio committees,’’ said Hill-Lewis.

@pattface17

About my 2025!!!!!

♬ original sound - caddy27100

Done By: Mitchum George

Police raid City of Cape Town offices in tender probe

Police have raided City of Cape Town offices on Friday morning. Western Cape’s Provincial Commercial Crimes investigators descended on the municipality’s offices as part of ‘’forensic investigations which is from a case that is currently running before courts’’, which is linked to tender fraud in the province's construction sector.

Police allege that several municipal officials and business owners are facing a myriad of charges that relate to the same investigation.

It is unclear whether arrests will be made.

Police did not elaborate for who the investigation is directed at, seizure of items and possible arrests, but Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed that the raid was conducted by offices of two Mayoral Committee members namely JP Smith who is MMC for Safety & Security as well as the MMC for Energy, Xanthea Limberg.

Hill-Lewis has requested an urgent briefing from SAPS to understand the details of this matter, adding that he will then determine the necessary further actions once this has been received

‘’I note the raid by authorities at the offices of Mayoral Committee members Aldermans JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg, who have informed me they’ve offered full cooperation to the SAPS but have not been made aware of the specific allegations at this stage. I’ve requested an urgent briefing from SAPS to understand the details of this matter and will determine the necessary further actions once this has been received,’’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

‘’In the earlier matter relating to Malusi Booi, I was offered and given a full briefing by SAPS, and have requested the same courtesy be extended to me in this matter as soon as possible,’’ added Hill-Lewis.

Police said their focus for now is on presenting a strong case before court.

The former Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, is among several people facing tender fraud charges worth over R1 billion. linked to alleged notorious Cape Town gang boss Ralph Stanfield.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man sustained fatal injuries when he was hit by a train travelling towards Bellville

The public are asked for assistance in helping police in identifying a person who sustained fatal injuries when he was hit by a train on Wednesday.

‘’Information reveal that Bellville South police responded to a complaint near Peter Barlow Drive. Upon arrival their attention was drawn to the railway tracks where they found the body of an unidentified man who was hit by an oncoming train travelling from Sarepta Station towards Bellville .  The man was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The deceased was last seen wearing a blue jeans and a blue and grey top,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi

An appeal has been made to anyone who is missing a relative and can possibly identify the victim to call the investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer Mevin Rooi on 082 411 2026 or alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

GOOD party laments Public Protectors 'poor; efforts of public participation

The Good Party in the Western Cape has called on the Public Protector’s Office to ensure greater public participation in future community engagements.

The office held a public participation hearing on maintenance and systemic issues at the Lentegeur Civic Centre in Mitchells Plain on Wednesday. The Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority attended the hearing.

According to the GOOD party, officials outnumbered public members, as many of them didn’t know about the engagement due to poor organisation.

‘’What could have been a key step in improving the current maintenance system, turned into a damp squib with officials outnumbering members of the public. But due to poor organisation, residents of Mitchells Plain, who are the ones dealing with issues relating to maintenance on a day-to-day basis, didn’t even know it was happening,’’ said Chad Davids, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor.

‘’An official of the Public Protectors office was asked how the meeting was advertised, to which a very obtuse answer was given which related to the capacity of the meeting venue and that they had to keep the numbers at a manageable level. The few members of the public that were in attendance put forward various complaints, to which they received responses from stakeholders.’’

‘’The maintenance system is a mess and the engagement was necessary. This important issue potentially affects the most vulnerable within our communities, that being women and children. The office of the DoJ undertook to work on the current system. Other officials shared critical insights on the processes relating to maintenance claims. But without meaningful public participation the system cannot truly be transformed,’’ added Davids.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Two fatal shootings at Kraaifontein schools

Two fatal shootings at Kraaifontein schools on Thursday morning have disrupted learning and leaving learners and educators in fear.

Police are seeking three suspects for murder after shooting the Principal of Ekuthuleni Primary School in Wallacedene, at about 7a.m as he arrived at school.

‘’At about 07:00 two persons stopped at the entrance of an institute of learning at Henzikile Street, Walacedene, in their white Mahindra vehicle. Three unidentified males approached the victims’ vehicle and opened fire at them, which led to the death of a 54-year-old male and an injured female who was admitted to hospital. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown vehicle,’’ said Captain F.C. van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

He said detectives of the provincial serious and violent crimes unit combed the area for clues.

Western Cape Government have expressed shock and anger about the incident. The police oversight and community safety MEC, Anroux Marais, says the case is receiving the highest priority.

“I have the greatest confidence in the Western Cape Serious and Violent Crimes detectives who are on the case. The community must please assist.’’

Education MEC, David Maynier described the incident as a tragedy for the school and community.

‘’Our district team is on the ground at the school to offer support to the staff and learners today and in the coming days. We trust that the police will leave no stone unturned in locating and apprehending the perpetrators.”

Anyone with information about this fatal shooting incident is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Colonel Eddie Clark on 082 469 1531 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.  

In another incident less than half an hour later, a 41-year-old man was shot near the entrance of Fanie Theron Primary school in Windsor Park. Police said the motive for the attack is being probed.

“According to reports, the 41-year-old driver of a white Hyundai vehicle left the school when an unidentified suspect approached the vehicle and fired several gunshots at the vehicle. The driver lost control of the vehicle and went through a fence. Police members on duty attended the scene and found the driver with numerous gunshot wounds to his body. He was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The suspect fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle,” says FC van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

''Justice for Denver (Pitts)'' as case against alleged girlfriend murderer from Mitchells Plain postponed

The case against an alleged girlfriend murderer from Mitchells Plain has been postponed.

Denver Pitts, 38, was fatally stabbed in December 2024, at his Tafelsig home allegedly by his girlfriend. A 24-year-old female was arrested in connection with the murder and appeared in the Mitchell's Plain Magistrates' court for the second time on Thursday morning.

PHOTO - Mitchum George: Protesters calling for bail to be denied

According to his sister, Michelle Essack, he was stabbed in his heart. Essack says her brother refused to open a case after being abused by the partner on several occasions.

Inside court on Thursday, there were jubilation from supporters of the deceased as the court ordered the accused to remain in custody until her next court appearance on 11 February 2025. The matter was postponed as the Magistrate had an emergency and proceedings was thus put on hold. The suspect walking away with a smirk on her face.

Supporters of Pitts chanting "Justice for Denver"@Bushradionews pic.twitter.com/ddquyN9cqd

— Mitchum George (@MitchumGeorge) January 23, 2025

Community activist, Natasha Gertse, expressed her dismay on the postponement.

‘’I am very disappointed that the matter was postponed. So many of us took off from work today, now we are left stranded until 11 February. We will have to protest again and take off from work, it is so unfair. We have handed over a petition top the prosecutor before court started and hope that the bail will be denied and I know it will be denied as we received many signatures.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

R100k reward offered for info on Makhaza NHW murder

Western Cape police is offering a reward of up to R100 000 for information which will lead to the arrest and successful conviction of those responsible for the murder of Farrington Monwabisi Mkutshulwa in Makhaza.

Mkutshulwa, 49, was shot and killed in Ezimfeneni informal settlement near Enkanini at about 23:30, on Saturday, 18 January 2025.

The motive for this attack is still being probed.

‘’Four unidentified men were mentioned as persons of interest and detectives would like to interview them in connection with the incident. We appeal to anyone who can shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively contact the investigating officer Detective Constable Sibusiso Manqindi on 072 980 2764,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western cape police spokesperson.

 

Done By: Sihle Jezile