The criminal case against Louis Cason, a City of Cape Town staff member arrested during last week’s police raid on the offices of Mayoral Committee Members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg, has been dropped.
Carson’s case did not make it to court
According to reports, Cason, who was taken into custody for allegedly refusing to hand over electronic devices during the raid, was set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
However, his lawyer, Kirsten Pearce, confirmed that the charges have been withdrawn, and Cason will not face further legal action.
The withdrawal of charges comes as investigations into other aspects of the raid remain ongoing.
Police have not provided clarity on the scope of the search or whether any other officials are under investigation.
JP Smith insists the raid was ‘politically motivated’
The raid, conducted by the Western Cape SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit, targeted the offices of high-ranking City officials, including Smith and Limberg.
JP Smith issued a statement alleging the operation was part of a smear campaign orchestrated by political opponents.
Smith claimed to have been tipped off months ago about a “political hit squad” targeting him and alleged that senior members of the ANC and others within SAPS were involved in a conspiracy to discredit him.
“I respect the work SAPS does… but I have been tipped off that some political actors have mobilised a political ‘hit-squad’ against me. Some of you may have noticed politicians receiving ‘briefings’ or involving themselves in what should clearly be a protected police investigation,” Smith said.
Smith further alleged that recordings he received point to a coordinated effort to frame him. He stated that one of the recordings revealed he was being targeted because he “stood in the way of too much.”
Despite the controversy, Smith emphasised his respect for law enforcement, adding that while many SAPS members and prosecutors act with integrity, there are concerns about fabricated evidence and political interference in the investigation.
The raid was reportedly focused on obtaining evidence related to an ongoing investigation.
The exact nature of the case prompting the raid has not been disclosed.
No arrests have been made beyond Cason’s brief detention, and the investigation remains shrouded in mystery.
DA provincial leader Tertius Simmers acknowledged the incident, stating that the party is closely monitoring developments.
“We will hold back a comprehensive statement until the facts, context, and details on the investigation are better known,” he said.
For now, the dropped charges against Louis Cason provide little clarity on the broader investigation.