Opposition parties in the City council have called on the DA to “clean its house” following the court appearance of tender fraud-accused Malusi Booi and nine others in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court this week.
Booi is expected to return to the dock again on Friday alongside Suraya Manuel, Abdul Kader, Mohammad Amod, Randal Mullins, Brenda Mullins, Thuli Imbgi, Nomvuyo Mnyaka, Lorna Ndoda and Siphokazi September.
They face racketeering and fraud charges for allegedly having colluded with alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife Nicole Johnson’s enterprise and allegedly defrauding the City of R850 million in tenders.
ANC regional spokesperson Akhona Jonginamba said the arrest underscored the urgent need for accountability within the City of Cape Town.
“The ANC firmly believes that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law.
“This arrest sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. We also urge law enforcement agencies to maintain a strong presence near the Cape Town Civic Centre, as Booi’s actions are not an isolated incident.
The DA has not taken responsibility for the actions of Booi, its appointee, and is avoiding accountability for Booi’s conduct while serving as a councillor.
“We believe that a microscopic examination of the City of Cape Town will reveal that there are more individuals involved in dealings with the underworld across various portfolios, not just in human settlements,” said Jonginamba.
National Coloured Congress president Fadiel Adams said the arrest of Booi and September “has been a long time coming”.
“At our count right now, 21 people (could) face trial for fraud and corruption within the City of Cape Town. He (the mayor) must come and explain to us how he achieved that clean audit,” said Adams.
Enquiries to DA metro chairperson JP Smith were referred to and answered by DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp.
The party “acted immediately” by suspending Booi from party political activities, he said.
“The DA also instituted disciplinary action at our federal legal commission against Booi, which was also done immediately. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis also immediately dismissed Booi as a member of the mayoral executive committee.
Subsequently, Booi resigned from the DA and he is no longer a member and also not a councillor. This goes to show that (we) acted swiftly in the matter. The DA has done this in the past and we will do it in future as well.
“We believe the law must run its course,” said Aucamp.
The City of Cape Town said: “It has long been supporting the SAPS investigation, and will monitor court proceedings. Our understanding is that (tender) 243Q relates to the investigation into The Construction Company and the matter is currently in court.”
GOOD Party’s Suzette Little said: “While it was encouraging to see the City taking swift steps, (we have) remained concerned about the ongoing secrecy around the allegations and investigation when this case involves public funds.
“At the time, GOOD had requested the mayor to provide clarity regarding this matter; however, very little was provided.
“Unless that investigation was selective, the mayor must have been aware of information that implicated Booi long before the raid.
“The mayor needs to explain why he waited so long to act.
“The mayor and the City manager would also be wise to stop confusing the public with the continued narrative of a ‘clean audit’. This case brings into question the credibility of these ‘clean audits’ if this matter was raised by officials back in 2020.”
Cape Times