Smith considers legal action after ruling on unconstitutional search

MAYCO member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, often dubbed “the Sheriff” of the City, said he’s receiving legal advice whether to pursue steps for retribution following the Western Cape High Court’s decision declaring the search at his municipal offices as unconstitutional.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

The ruling follows litigation brought by Smith and Limberg after a SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit raid on their offices on January 24.

Hours after Smith released the court’s findings, the Cape Argus asked Smith whether he would be seeking compensation financially for defamation of character, to which he answered: “I'm taking advice from my legal team, I am usually not a person that seeks retribution but I am aware that if you do not keep those accountable who misuse the criminal justice system, they will continue to weaponise it against their opponents.”

Smith’s colleague, Xanthea Limberg, mayco member for Energy, who was the second applicant in their court application, which respondents included Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Provincial Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, Carel Johannes Lourens, the Minister of Police and many others.