Cape Town, South Africa – A growing corruption scandal within the City of Cape Town has escalated as police raids, court appearances, and formal complaints against senior officials dominate headlines. The case involves R1 billion in fraudulent tenders, alleged links to organized crime, and accusations of a municipal cover-up at the highest levels of the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led administration.
The scandal has sparked an official complaint to the Public Protector, with National Coloured Congress (NCC) president Fadiel Adams calling for an urgent investigation into maladministration, corruption, and abuse of power within the City.
🔎 Major Developments in the Corruption Probe
High-Profile Court Case Over R1 Billion Fraud
Former Human Settlements Mayoral Committee Member Malusi Booi, alleged underworld boss Ralph Stanfield, his wife Nicole Johnson, and 26 others appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court this week on fraud and corruption charges linked to City tenders.
The State alleges that the group fraudulently secured contracts worth R1 billion from the City’s Human Settlements Directorate. They are also facing murder charges, including the killing of City staff member Wendy Kloppers.
The prosecution requested more time to analyze financial records, revealing that investigators are examining 100 bank statements and several digital devices. The case was postponed to March 20 for further investigation.
Additionally, three new suspects were added to the case:
- Kyle Stanfield (Ralph Stanfield’s younger brother)
- Barbara Johnson (Nicole Johnson’s mother)
- Phakamisa Nondabula
The three face charges of defeating the ends of justice.
Police Raids Target Senior City Officials
Amid the ongoing fraud case, police raids have also put two of Cape Town’s senior officials under scrutiny.
On January 24, the Commercial Crimes Unit raided the offices of Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith and former Mayco Member Xanthea Limberg as part of an investigation into irregular tenders awarded to criminal syndicates.
The DA-led administration has not suspended Smith or Limberg, with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis stating that there is no evidence to take action against them at this stage.
However, opposition parties and anti-corruption activists are calling for immediate accountability.
📜 Public Protector Complaint: Allegations of Corruption and Cover-Ups
In a formal complaint delivered to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, NCC leader Fadiel Adams detailed a series of corruption allegations against the City’s leadership.
1️⃣ Illegal Appointment of a Police Director
- In August 2024, former SAPS officer Petrus “Robbie” Roberts was appointed Director of Policing in Cape Town.
- An independent investigation by law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr found the appointment illegal and unfair.
- The report recommended disciplinary action against Alderman JP Smith and former Executive Director Richard Bosman, but no action was taken.
- The City has refused to release the report, despite spending R1 million in taxpayer money on the investigation.
2️⃣ The “Strandfontein Concentration Camp” Scandal
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City set up a homeless shelter at Strandfontein Sports Grounds, which was criticized as a human rights violation.
- The procurement of tents and marquees for the camp cost nearly R50 million and was found to be riddled with irregularities.
- The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) recommended the City recover the funds, but no action has been taken.
3️⃣ Whistleblower Intimidation and Cover-Ups
- A Heart FM exposé in December 2024 revealed that City officials who exposed corruption faced intimidation and dismissal.
- Investigations into these abuses remain hidden from the public and councillors.
🏛 City Leadership Under Fire
Mayor Hill-Lewis Accused of Cover-Ups
Despite publicly advocating for transparency, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has been accused of protecting corrupt officials and blocking access to financial records related to questionable tenders.
His critics, including Adams, have labeled him the “Mayor of Cover-Ups” for failing to take action against JP Smith, Xanthea Limberg, and others.
Meanwhile, opposition parties and civic groups are calling for suspensions and further investigations.
Public Protector’s Response
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s office has confirmed receiving a formal complaint against JP Smith, which is now under review. However, no official investigation has been announced yet.
⚖️ What Happens Next?
🔹 Court Proceedings: The fraud case against Booi, Stanfield, and others resumes on March 20.
🔹 Public Protector’s Investigation: If Gcaleka proceeds, a full-scale investigation into corruption in Cape Town could be launched.
🔹 Political Fallout: The DA faces mounting pressure to take action, as calls for Smith, Limberg, and Hill-Lewis to be held accountable grow louder.
📢 Conclusion: A Deepening Crisis in Cape Town
The unfolding corruption scandal has shaken public trust in Cape Town’s municipal government. With police raids, court cases, and allegations of cover-ups, the City is facing a serious credibility crisis.
As the investigation continues to widen, the big question remains:
Will those implicated be held accountable?