*WESTERN CAPE POLICE COMMISSIONER BACKTRACKS ON COMMITMENT TO MEET WITH OPPOSITION PARTIES* *Joint Statement* by Opposition Parties in the Western Cape Provincial (ANC, GOOD, EFF, FF Plus WC, PA) 31 January 2025 The African National Congress, GOOD, Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus and the Patriotic Alliance are disappointed that Provincial Police Commissioner, General Patekile has backtracked on his initial agreement to meet with members of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature. During a telephone conversation yesterday, the meeting was confirmed for Monday 3 February 2025. However, today, members of the opposition received a letter informing them that General Patekile will be unable to meet with opposition parties due to the “sensitivity of the investigation”. We made it very clear that we do not wish to engage with SAPS on the merits of the case against Cape Town MMC’s JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg, as well as the subsequent counter case against DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille but rather to unpack the DA narrative of an alleged political plot and the potential of a SAPS leak. We believe that sharing details of the case with any political party is against the principle of justice. Therefore, not only is this response from General Patekile extremely disappointing but it is confusing as SAPS had no issues briefing Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, a member of the DA on the actual details of the investigation. The allegations made by Councillor Smith and Ms Zille raise serious questions about the integrity of the investigation and the possibility of political interference in the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS). This meeting was vital to discuss allegations of this nature and reassure the residents of the Western Cape that SAPS is free from interference by any political party.