Mayor of Cape Town to Appear in Court Over Alleged Abuse of Power

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is due to appear at the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, in response to a court application brought by a Cape Town resident accusing him of harassment and abuse of power.

This legal dispute arises from a neighbourhood conflict in Bothasig, where the complainant, who lives in the same area as Hill-Lewis’ mother-in-law, claims that the Mayor used his political influence and direct access to law enforcement to pursue a personal vendetta. Law Enforcement officers have been deployed to the complainant’s private residence on four separate occasions, all without evidence of wrongdoing. The Mayor previously emailed the resident, accusing him of operating an illegal car repair business, despite no supporting findings from any of the visits.

GOOD has consistently raised concerns about the City’s inconsistent, and at times politically weaponised, enforcement of by-laws.

In April, we warned that the actions of the Mayor in this case raise serious questions about the abuse of state resources to settle personal disputes. We also called for public assurance that no public funds would be used in the Mayor’s legal defence should he face harassment charges.

In July, GOOD highlighted two additional cases, Vredehoek and Athlone, where residents have followed all the correct procedures in reporting illegal businesses operating in contravention of zoning laws. In both cases, even with confirmed violations, the City has failed to act. The selective and politically convenient enforcement of by-laws is not only unjust but also undermines the rule of law.

The Mayor’s pending court appearance underscores the urgent need for accountability in how municipal powers are exercised. No elected official should be permitted to use public resources for private agendas, nor should the enforcement of by-laws depend on political proximity.