More concerns raised over Cape spy saga

The bigger political parties within the Democratic Alliance-led multiparty government in the City of Cape Town have raised concern over an application to the Cape High Court regarding the Erasmus Commission of Inquiry.

The public hearings of the commission probing spying activities in the city council start on Monday. But speaker Dirk Smit has filed an application challenging the validity and the constitutionality of the commission. The Independent Democrats (ID) is opposed to the court challenge.

The latest coalition partner to raise concern is the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). Smit has confirmed that he received a complaint about a lack of consultation from the ACDP caucus leader, Grant Haskin, who was the acting mayor when the application went to court.

Smit earlier this week likened the investigation of the Erasmus Commission of Inquiry to the work done by the National Prosecuting Authority and the police. The commission is probing spying allegations in the City of Cape Town and alleged maladministration in the George Municipality in the Southern Cape.

The city has launched an urgent Cape High Court application to set aside the Commission on the grounds that it is illegal. Smit has denied that they are trying to cover up information.