Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Caryn Dolley
Published on 2024-04-08 11:40:36
The City of Cape Town has found itself embroiled in a scandal involving Nicole Johnson and her husband, alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield. This scandal has now evolved into a national issue with Police Minister Bheki Cele mentioning the couple in a speech highlighting police successes. Cele announced the dismantling of gang cartels involved in extortion-related crimes in the Western Cape through the arrest of Ralph Stanfield, his wife, and two other accused.
The controversy surrounding Johnson and Stanfield deepened when National Treasury restricted Johnson’s company, Glomix House Brokers, from doing business with the government for a period of ten years. This restriction came after revelations emerged during court proceedings that Stanfield was permanently employed by Glomix, earning R40,000 a month. Glomix had been involved in housing projects in Cape Town worth millions of rands for over a decade prior to these developments.
In a significant move, the Treasury document detailed the blacklisting of Glomix on 28 March 2024, citing the submission of a fraudulent BBBEE Certificate as the reason for the restriction. The City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality authorized the blacklisting, which was set to last until 27 March 2034.
The restrictions placed on Glomix are part of a broader crackdown linked to Johnson and Stanfield. The issues first came to light in March 2023 when Malusi Booi was fired as a mayoral committee member after his office was raided during a fraud and corruption investigation. Stanfield’s name was implicated in this investigation, and it was discovered that Glomix House Brokers was still involved in building homes for the City of Cape Town, despite concerns about gang affiliations and criminal links.
In September 2024, Johnson and Stanfield were arrested at their home and faced charges related to vehicle theft and attempted murder, among other offenses. They are currently in custody awaiting proceedings in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court. The couple’s broader involvement in criminal activities includes allegations of firearm license fraud dating back to 2014.
The controversies surrounding Johnson and Stanfield have led to further investigations and actions, including the blacklisting of companies linked to Johnson based on reputational risks to the City of Cape Town. The Special Investigating Unit has also named Stanfield and Johnson in connection with construction mafia crimes, with a focus on the intimidation and violence faced by construction contractors on government housing sites.
The case involving Johnson and Stanfield continues to unfold, with implications reaching various sectors, from construction to law enforcement. The couple’s alleged ties to criminal activities highlight the challenges faced by authorities in combating organized crime and corruption in South Africa.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
