Date: 28/07/2005
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title:Rasool: Statement on media reports that City of Cape Town Municipality was raid


  Response by Premier Ebrahim Rasool to reports that the Premier gave instructions for the raids on the City Of Cape Town

I was dismayed when journalists enquired about my having given instructions for the City of Cape Town Municipality to be raided in search of documents related to alleged corruption and tender irregularities.

I want to state categorically that the Premier has neither the jurisdiction over the police to issue such an instruction, nor do I have the desire to have the City raided, or anyone embarrassed. I have therefore, been in touch with Provincial Police Commissioner Mzwandile Petros, to find out how it is that my name was used in the raids that took place.

I want to explain further that in response to the allegations against Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha - about signing documents relating to a Jama Security Company - I issued a media statement on 27 May 2005, accepting Mr Skwatsha's explanation to me, appreciating his own willingness to be investigated, rejecting the DA's call for me to institute a Commission of Enquiry into Mr Skwatsha and saying that the law should take its course through the normal law enforcement agencies.

I was approached by police management on reading my media statement to be a complainant or to identify a complainant in the Administration should I wish to take the matter further. Again I state categorically that I did neither of the two. My reasons were that I did not call Mr Skwatsha's explanation to me into doubt, nor did I want to have any appearance whatsoever that I was acting in relation to a forthcoming Provincial ANC Conference.

I am therefore working with the Police Commissioner to ascertain how my name was cited in an affidavit as either issuing an instruction or making a request for a raid. I had no knowledge of the raid until the Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo called MEC Ramatlakane to inform him of it.

I am very happy that the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC met as swiftly as it did this morning. This meeting gave us a chance to discuss this matter thoroughly and to minimise the risk of mischief and suspicion amongst us. I believe that we left that meeting united in our resolve to get to the bottom of the matter and I will keep both the PEC and Mayor informed of my discussions with the Police Commissioner.

Premier Ebrahim Rasool

For any further input or clarification please contact:
Clayton Wakeford
Tel: (021) 483 3528
Cell: 082 827 8792
E-mail: cwakeford@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
28 July 2005