Mayor welcomes High Court declaration on unlawfulness of SAPS raid

11 September 2025

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the Western Cape High Court’s order declaring a South African Police Services (SAPS) raid on the offices of two Mayoral Committee Members as unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid.

‘The High Court’s order brings closure and clarity following a SAPS raid in January, which has now been declared unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.

‘To determine my response to this raid on two Mayoral Committee Member offices, I urgently met with the Provincial Commissioner who informed me there was no criminal docket linked to the raid. No evidence was produced to warrant me taking action against Mayco Members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg, who have always conducted their public duties with distinction and integrity.

‘Now nine months later, the High Court has ruled the raid as invalid, confirming it was conducted on spurious grounds. I am glad that justice has been done in this matter, which unfairly cast aspersions on these mayoral committee members, who can now continue their excellent work in service of Capetonians. JP, in particular, is one of South Africa’s foremost crime fighters. I’m very glad this unfortunate raid has been set aside,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office