A case involving Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and a resident of Edgemead has been postponed to September by the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court.

The matter relates to an application for a protection order lodged by the resident, who accused the mayor of harassment and abuse of power in connection with an alleged land use violation.

The resident is allegedly running an illegal chop shop in a residential area, which sparked a complaint.

The mayor was legally represented in court and did not attend the proceedings in person.

The matter was postponed to allow the presiding magistrate further time to consider submissions made and for Hill-Lewis to engage in the process through legal counsel

City of Cape Town spokesperson Lyndon Khan said the protection order application was a meritless attempt to deflect from accountability.

“This is a further opportunity to show how the court’s time is being wasted by this meritless request for a protection order as a means to evade accountability. This follows the mayor’s addressing and reporting of illegal business activities, as any councillor is expected to do,” said Khan.

“We all have the responsibility to uphold the law in our city, and no person is too important to report by-law infringements and land use violations impacting a community, or even to pick up a piece of litter.”

Khan previously said the land use matter concerns a complaint raised about a property in Edgemead.

“The mayor reported a land use violation, as any resident is welcome and encouraged to do. The land use violation enforcement process will continue,” he said, adding that the official referenced in the complaint is a land use inspector.

Police have confirmed that a criminal complaint was also lodged.

Spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said: “Bothasig SAPS registered an intimidation case for further investigation, following an altercation on 29 March 2025 between the complainant and a suspect whom he allegedly addressed in an intimidating and threatening manner near his home in Edgemead.”

He said the case docket would be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision upon completion of the investigation.

GOOD Party deputy secretary-general and councillor Suzette Little had previously confirmed that the resident involved had lodged a formal accusation against Hill-Lewis, claiming abuse of power stemming from a neighbourhood dispute.

“According to the complainant, who resides in the same suburb as the mayor’s mother-in-law, what began as a simple neighbourhood disagreement has escalated into a legal matter,” said Little.

She said the GOOD Party had seen correspondence from Hill-Lewis to the complainant, in which he stated he had a “strong suspicion” that the resident was operating an illegal car repair business from a private residence, which would constitute a land use violation.

“Law enforcement was called to the property on four occasions, with no evidence found to support the accusations,” said Little.

She added: “The use of law enforcement in this manner, particularly when there is no evidence of wrongdoing, raises concerns about the abuse of power. Having direct access to law enforcement should not be used to settle personal disputes or engage in petty neighbourhood conflicts.”

Little said the case warranted further scrutiny.

“This case calls for a thorough examination of the conduct involved and a reminder of the importance of fairness and responsibility in positions of public authority.”

The matter is expected to return to court on September 25 for further proceedings.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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