DOCUMENTS

Allegations against me malicious and defamatory - Patricia de Lille

Cape Town mayor says JP Smith wants to play cowboys and crooks when crime fighting responsibility of SAPS

Statement by the City's Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille

2 October 2017  

This morning I briefed my lawyers about the malicious and defamatory remarks made by Mayoral Committee Member JP Smith and some members of the Internal Investigations Unit in the City’s Safety and Security Directorate to advise me on an appropriate course of action.

In the past week, various news articles have made reference to so-called ‘irregular’ security upgrades at my house done by a supplier appointed by the City following a risk analysis report by a special unit within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Regarding renovations at my house, these were paid for by myself and I am prepared to make the proof of these payments made by myself known as part of the proper legal processes.

We all know that crime fighting is the responsibility of the SAPS under National Government. JP Smith wants to play cowboys and crooks by releasing all kinds of statements that the Metro Police is responsible for fighting crime.

The task of the Metro Police Department in terms of legislation is enforcement of by-laws and regulations, traffic laws, and crime prevention.

I have also spoken to the DA party leadership reminding them that there is a separation between party and State and that this is an operational matter. I expressed my dissatisfaction to the party leadership, Mmusi Maimane and James Selfe about how JP Smith is dragging my name through the mud for the sake of sensationalism.

Update:

After consultation with the DA leadership this evening, I retract the following statement: I have also spoken to the DA party leadership reminding them that there is a separation between party and State and that this is an operational matter. I expressed my dissatisfaction to the party leadership, Mmusi Maimane and James Selfe about how JP Smith is dragging my name through the mud for the sake of sensationalism.Issued by: Office of the Executive Mayor, City of Cape Town

Statement issued by Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor of theCity of Cape Town, 2 October 2017

 

Issued by Zara Nicholson, Spokesperson for the Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille, Cape Town, 2 October 2017