JP SMITH COURT APPLICATION AN 'ELITIST TACTIC'

Designed to derail investigation

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

SAFETY and Security mayco member JP Smith’s urgent application filed to the Western Cape High Court against SAPS and a magistrate, accusing them of procedural dishonesty following the raid on his office, has been dismissed by the SA Communist Party (SACP) as an elitist tactic designed to derail a criminal investigation.

Smith said he approached the court on April 17, alleging that the search and seizure warrants used during the January 24 raid were “unlawfully obtained” and based on “falsehoods, errors, and critical omissions”.

According to Smith, the actions by the SAPS infringed on his constitutional rights and disrupted the operational effectiveness of his portfolio.

The raid garnered widespread political and public attention amid allegations that the SAPS was investigating Smith's alleged links to suspects arrested in connection with a criminal syndicate accused of targeting public contracts.

Smith, however, maintains he is not a suspect and says he has consistently worked to expose the very individuals who are now facing charges.