The State has provisionally withdrawn charges linked to an alleged R1 billion tender fraud case involving the former City of Cape Town official Malusi Booi and more than 20 co-accused, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The announcement was made during a court appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court, where the presiding State prosecutor formally moved to drop the charges against Booi, along with Ralph Stanfield, an alleged leader of the notorious 28s gang; his wife, Nicole Johnson; and others.
Despite the positive turn for Booi and his co-accused, Stanfield and Johnson will remain in custody as they confront separate charges unrelated to the tender fraud matter.
Their case remains ongoing, showcasing the broader implications of criminal proceedings that extend beyond a single case.
The tender fraud allegations have been surrounded by controversy, marked by extended delays that have frustrated defence lawyers, who prepared to file a motion to have the case struck off the roll.
Their arguments centred on the notion that the State should not have prematurely arrested the accused before the completion of a thorough investigation, raising questions about procedural integrity and the handling of evidence in high-stakes cases like this one.
Reacting to the withdrawal of charges, Booi took to social media to express his gratitude and relief. On his Facebook account, he wrote, ‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank my 84-year-old mother, my ancestors, my partner, my entire family, friends, Nitta and crew, Manxasana & crew for their unwavering support & belief in my innocence!’
He concluded with a powerful affirmation, stating, ‘I maintain my innocence, free at last.’
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Picture: ER Lombard / Gallo Images
