Tensions flared outside the Cape Town Civic Centre this morning as opposition parties staged a protest against Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s decision to move today’s council meeting online.
Watch: Opposition parties stage protest outside Cape Town Civic Centre
Protesters accused the mayor of avoiding accountability over his decision to not suspend Mayoral Committee Members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg, both of whom are linked to an ongoing tender fraud investigation.
Councillors from the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and other opposition parties gathered in front of the Civic Centre, demanding answers.
The controversy stems from a raid conducted on Friday, 24 January 2025 by the Western Cape SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit, which targeted multiple City offices, including those of Smith and Limberg.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Hill-Lewis has ruled out suspending the two officials, citing a lack of substantive evidence.
Some protesters attempted to enter the Civic Centre, but security personnel prevented them from doing so. Despite the heated exchanges outside, the online council meeting proceeded as planned.
What Geordin Hill-Lewis said about the investigation
In response to mounting criticism, Hill-Lewis defended his decision to keep Smith and Limberg in their positions, insisting that no clear evidence of wrongdoing had been presented to him by SAPS.
“I requested a briefing from SAPS following the execution of a search warrant at the offices of two Mayoral Committee members on 24 January,” Hill-Lewis stated.
“SAPS confirmed to me that the execution of a search warrant is in no way indicative of a crime, and I have not been provided with any substantive evidence of alleged wrongdoing by either of the Mayco members in question.”
The mayor further made it clear that he had sought and received legal counsel supporting his decision, adding that if credible evidence surfaced, he would reassess the situation.
Hill-Lewis also noted that both Smith and Limberg had been fully cooperative with investigators and that SAPS had confirmed their willingness to assist in the inquiry.
Meanwhile, JP Smith has denied any wrongdoing, alleging that the investigation is a politically motivated smear campaign. He claimed he was warned months ago about a “political hit squad” targeting him and accused senior ANC figures and certain SAPS members of conspiring to tarnish his reputation.
Despite the protests and political backlash, Hill-Lewis remained firm on his stance, stating:
“In the absence of substantive evidence, there is no basis to suspend them.”