Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to appear in court over harassment allegations

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for alleged 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.

In April, the 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.

“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.

Cape Times