Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council, Helen Zille, has come under scrutiny after admitting to having prior knowledge of the police raids at the offices of Cape Town Mayoral Committee (Mayco) members, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The raids, which took place last Friday, targeted the offices of JP Smith, DA’s deputy federal chairperson for Safety and Security, and Xanthea Limberg, Mayco member for Energy. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into the so-called ‘construction mafia.’
This investigation began after the arrest of former MMC for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, in September 2024. Booi, along with several others, faces serious charges, including fraud, money laundering and racketeering, for allegedly unlawfully awarding tenders worth over R1 billion. Booi is charged alongside gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife, Nicole Johnson.
In a statement, Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed the raids were part of a larger investigation. ‘Their presence was part of forensic investigations that emanated from a case currently running before courts,’ he said, adding that several municipal officials and business owners were also facing charges related to the case.
However, Zille’s comments have sparked controversy. Responding to a media outlet, she revealed that Smith had informed her about the investigation and the planned raids late last year. At first, she thought it was a hoax. Later, she addressed an X user, asserting, ‘We do not even know whether he will be charged, what the charge might be, or whether there is any evidence to back it up.’ Zille went on to defend Smith, stating, ‘When a man has made such enemies of crooks, gangsters, and some senior SAPS members, we exercise judgment and get the facts. That is what we are now doing.’
The GOOD Party has expressed concerns over Zille’s statements. Brett Herron, the party’s secretary-general, raised questions about the legality of the raids, noting that they could only have taken place with a judicial warrant, issued by a judge or magistrate who was persuaded under oath by an investigating officer. He also pointed out that Zille and Smith’s theory of a conspiracy involving SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is highly unlikely.
Herron expressed particular concern over Zille’s admission of prior knowledge, calling it a potential obstruction of justice. He stressed that if Zille had been aware of the raids in advance, it could have led to crucial evidence being tampered with. ‘SAPS must address how Zille was aware and investigate whether there’s been interference with the investigation by those implicated being forewarned,’ Herron said.
As the investigation continues, the GOOD Party has called for a thorough examination of the potential political interference, with the hope of ensuring transparency and accountability.
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Picture: Helen Zille / Facebook
