A former Cape Town Mayco Member for Human Settlements and
nine other accused appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Wednesday,
on charges of fraud and corruption. Amongst those was Booi’s
former girlfriend and ex-wife.
Western Cape police confirmed that the 46-year-old Booi was
arrested in the Eastern Cape on Monday evening.
‘’Meanwhile as this investigation unfolds, another team
from the same police units also arrested three other suspects in Johannesburg
early on Tuesday morning. With the take-down operation progressing four other
suspects were also arrested in Cape Town on Tuesday,’’ said Brigadier Novela
Potelwa, Western Cape spokesperson.
The ten suspects face charges of money laundering,
racketeering, corruption and extortion fraud.
In March 2023, Booi's office was raided by the Hawks where
several items were seized. Booi was later fired as MMC and he subsequently
resigned as a DA councillor in the metro.
"The arrests are seen as a significant milestone in
this major investigation with the suspects charged and brought before court.
The possibility of further arrests in the matter cannot be ruled out,” said
Potelwa.
On Wednesday, the court heard allegations that Booi
followed the orders of underworld figures including the alleged 28s gang boss
Ralph Stanfield who reportedly paid him money in exchange for illegally
obtaining City of Cape Town’s housing tenders. Stanfield and his
wife Nicole Johnson are expected to be added to the charge sheet during
proceedings on Friday. They are facing dozens of other charges relating to
their unlawful enterprise.
Prosecutor Nathan Adriaanse told the court that Booi
allegedly received R2.5 million in cash for his role in the collusion scheme,
as well as various gifts including Rolex watches worth R2 million.
The fraudulent tenders involved in the scheme allegedly
amounted to R850 million.
The State indicated that it would not oppose bail for Booi
and his co-accused. It argued that bail should be set at R200 000 for Booi and
all should have strict bail conditions.
Their bail hearings will continue on Friday.
Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa
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