Cape Town – Former City of Cape Town human settlements MMC Malusi Booi and several co-accused, including alleged gang leader Ralph Stanfield and his wife Nicole Johnson, have received a temporary reprieve after charges against them were provisionally withdrawn.
The charges — relating to fraud, corruption, money laundering, and racketeering — stemmed from alleged unlawful awarding of eight housing contracts worth over R1 billion.
The state informed the court it would withdraw charges against Booi, Stanfield, Johnson, and others to allow ongoing investigations to continue.
Booi expressed relief, maintaining his innocence and thanking supporters.
“I am relieved because I’ve maintained my innocence throughout. I want to thank my 84-year-old mother, my family, my partner who have supported me unwaveringly and also my friends who have been there for me from day one who believed in my innocence so I’m very thankful to them,” he said.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my 84 year old mother, my ancestors, my partner, my entire family, friends, Nitta & crew, Manxasana & crew for their unwavering support & belief in my innocence!
Thanks to the Nkomo Foundation ?
I maintain my innocence ? pic.twitter.com/LgFHkPBPDk
— Malusi Booi (@MalusiBooi) May 23, 2025
Booi said that he plans to return home and begin a new chapter in his life.
NEWS JUST IN
[WATCH]
Fraud related charges against former City of Cape Town Human Settlements MMC Malusi Booi and nine others have been withdrawn. They relate to a billion rand housing tender fraud within the city’s human settlements directorate @NtuthuzeloNene pic.twitter.com/7YyTGJrvaO
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 23, 2025
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) clarified that this withdrawal is temporary and does not mean acquittal; charges will be reinstated once the investigation is complete.
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Picture: X/@MalusiBooi
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
