Investigation launched into Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis over alleged power abuse in Edgemead

Bothasig police are investigating intimidation involving Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis,  who would not be drawn over allegations of abuse of power in a neighbourhood dispute in Edgemead - a community where his mother-in-law resides. 

According to a statement by the Good Party’s Suzette Little, a resident lodged a formal accusation against Hill-Lewis, alleging that the mayor has abused his position of power and engaged in harassment due a land use violation. 

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

"Good has seen an email sent by Hill-Lewis to the complainant stating he has a ‘strong suspicion’ the resident is operating an illegal car repair workshop at a private residence, a ‘land use violation’. 

“Law enforcement has been called to the resident’s property on four separate occasions, with no evidence found to support the accusations.

"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.

"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,” said Little. 

Little said the Good Party has written to the Speaker's Office to confirm that public funds will not be used to defend the mayor if he is charged with harassment.

Attempts to get further comments from the complainant were unsuccessful on Tuesday. 

City spokesperson, Lyndon Khan, said: “‘The mayor reported a land use violation, as any resident is welcome and encouraged to do. The land use violation enforcement process will continue.”

Khan clarified that the official referred to in the statement by Little is a land use inspector. 

Meanwhile, SAPS spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, confirmed a complaint was received and registered at the Bothasig SAPS. 

“Bothasig SAPS registered an intimidation case for further investigation, following an altercation on 29 March 2025 between the complainant and a suspect whom he alleged addressed him in an intimidating and threatening manner near his home in Edgemead. The docket will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision, upon completion of the investigation,” said Pojie.

Cape Argus