Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, following a legal application by a Cape Town resident who has accused the mayor of harassment and abuse of power.

The dispute stems from a neighbourhood conflict in Bothasig, where the complainant lives near the mayor’s mother-in-law.

According to the resident, Hill-Lewis used his political position and influence over law enforcement to pursue a personal vendetta.

The resident alleges that law enforcement officers were deployed to his private residence on four separate occasions, each time without evidence of any wrongdoing.

The mayor also reportedly sent an email to the resident, accusing him of running an illegal car repair business, claims that were not substantiated by any of the enforcement visits.

GOOD Party’s Suzette Little said they have repeatedly expressed concern over the city’s inconsistent and, at times, politically motivated enforcement of municipal bylaws.

Mayoral spokesperson Lyndon Khan said: “The mayor saw and reported a land-use violation as any councillor is expected to do and any citizen is able to do. The seeking of a protection order is without merits and an attempt to evade accountability following the reporting of illegal business operations. The Mayor’s legal representatives will be present at the court.” 

A court staffer explained that Hill-Lewis’ matter will be at the domestic court and not at the criminal court.

In April, the GOOD Party raised alarms over the mayor’s conduct in this case and questioned whether state resources were being used to settle personal scores.

GOOD also called for assurances that public funds would not be used in the mayor’s legal defence.

In July, the party cited two further cases, one in Vredehoek and another in Athlone, where residents had formally reported businesses operating illegally in residential areas.

Little said despite confirmed zoning violations, the city has taken no enforcement action in either case.

“The selective and politically convenient enforcement of bylaws is not only unjust but also undermines the rule of law,” said Little.

The mayor’s impending court appearance raises serious questions about accountability and the appropriate use of municipal authority.

“No elected official should be permitted to use public resources for private agendas, nor should the enforcement of by-laws depend on political proximity,” Little added.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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