By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has removed Malusi Booi from the Mayoral Committee after police raided his offices last week.
The mayor made the announcement in the afternoon after he met with police about a multi-million rand tender fraud investigation implicating Booi.
Hill-Lewis placed Booi on suspension on March 16 after cops raided his council office.
“This removal from Mayco follows an updated briefing from the South African Police Services (SAPS) regarding progress on their investigation into alleged fraud and corruption,” Hill-Lewis said in a statement.
“I have received an updated briefing from the SAPS regarding their investigation, and on this basis, have decided to remove councillor Malusi Booi from his position on the Mayoral Committee with immediate effect.
“While councillor Booi has not been charged, the matters under investigation are to my mind serious enough to warrant immediate action to protect the integrity of our government.
“I have further assured the SAPS of the City’s full support in the ongoing investigation.
“The City has a zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption and I will not hesitate to act in the interests of good governance,” Hill Lewis said.
James Vos continues as acting mayco member for human settlements.
Meanwhile the DA convened an urgent meeting after Booi’s removal on Thursday.
The DA’s Western Cape leader, Tertuis Simmers said, “We respect the steps taken by the mayor of Cape Town to protect the integrity of the City and the DA, and have convened an urgent meeting of the provincial executive of the DA to discuss the possible suspension of Cllr Booi pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.”