CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA JANUARY 10, 2018: Executive Mayor Patricia de Lillie during an interview in her office at the Civic Centre on January 10, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. De Lille claims she will fight to the death in the highest court to keep her name clean. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Adrian de Kock)
DA lays bribery and corruption charges against De Lille
DA drama continues. Patricia de Lille says she denies all allegations levelled agaisnt her.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA JANUARY 10, 2018: Executive Mayor Patricia de Lillie during an interview in her office at the Civic Centre on January 10, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. De Lille claims she will fight to the death in the highest court to keep her name clean. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Adrian de Kock)
The Democratic Alliance confirmed on Sunday that it has laid bribery and corruption charges against Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille.
eNCA reported that the charges relate to an alleged attempt by De Lille to solicit a R5-million bribe from a Vanderbijlpark businessman Anthony Foul in 2012.
eNCA reported:
It’s alleged De Lille sought money in exchange for her support of his company to supply fire extinguishers to Cape Town informal settlements.
De Lille denies these allegations “with contempt” and say they are just another attempt to tarnish her name.
eNCA quoted De Lille as saying:
“I deny and reject the reported allegations with the contempt it deserves. The timing of this latest move raises many questions such as why this man, Anthony Faul is conveniently coming forward now when the DA is charging me for other matters. Firstly, why did he go to the DA first instead of going to the police? Why did he wait almost five years to make these allegations? This seems to be the latest of a string of moves to taint my name by clutching at anything and informing the media before allegations are properly tested.
“I have repeatedly asked for a fair process yet the handling of this matter and the treatment towards me are clearly attempts to sway public perception against me instead of giving me a fair opportunity to state my case and to test the allegations properly. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the concerted efforts to damage my reputation and the haste to get rid of me is reaching desperate heights each day.”
The DA’s James Selfe confirmed the charges saying:
“That followed our receiving of an affidavit from a member of the public who alleged there had been a request on the part of Miss de Lille for a gratification some year ago. We have drawn that attention to Miss de Lille’s lawyers, before we laid the charge.”
The Democratic Alliance this week announced a motion of no confidence against De Lille will be debated in the City Council on 15 February.
