Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has suspended the Mayco member for Human Settlement Malusi Booi. This is after police thronged into Booi’s office on Wednesday afternoon and confiscated his computers, phones and other documents.
Hill-Lewis said police told him that the matter was serious hence he decided to relieve Booi of his duties.
“The SAPS informed me this morning that the investigation is at an early stage, but is potentially serious and relates to alleged fraud and corruption, and that further details cannot be disclosed at this time. As a result, I have suspended Councillor Booi from his position on the Mayoral Committee. In the interim, I have appointed Alderman James Vos as Acting Mayco Member for Human Settlements.
“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 will not hesitate to act in the interests of good governance,” said Hill-Lewis.
In February Booi discovered that there was an imposter using his name to promise people houses. The person had opened a Facebook in his name. It is not clear if the matter is linked to this incident.
Police spokesman Andre Traut said he is aware of the incident but he will not disclose more information as investigations are at initial stages. Booi was however not arrested when officers searched his office.
