Hill-Lewis clarifies some details related to tender fraud probe into R1.6bn CoCT construction contract

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has clarified some details related to a tender fraud investigation into a R1.6 billion City of Cape Town construction tender.

Hill-Lewis said the investigation only relates to a contract that amounts to a small fraction of the tender.

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The mayor's comments come after a search and seizure operation at 26 addresses across Cape Town by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Commercial Crimes Unit on Wednesday.

The raids were prompted by the City of Cape Town' city manager, who followed up on information from a whistleblower.

"The city called the police in this matter. The police would not have been involved in this matter, had it not been for our city manager, Lungelo Mbandazayo, reporting this matter to them after an initial city investigation."

Hill-Lewis also clarified reports about the amount of money being investigated.

"The fact is that the amount that is likely to be investigated is only a tiny, tiny fraction of the amount that has been bandied about so commonly in the media."

The mayor said the city will take the necessary action whenever evidence of corruption is uncovered in the municipality.