City welcomes SCA decision on Philippi East Erf 150

The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein today set aside the judgment and orders made by Judge Gamble in respect of the City's conduct in the matter of I. Fischer and the City of Cape Town v Boitumelo Ramahlehle and others.

The City welcomes the order by the Supreme Court of Appeal and is vindicated in bringing the appeal on the matter pertaining to the illegal land invasion in Philippi East Erf 150, commonly called ‘Marikana'. The City has always been of the view that Judge Gamble was wrong in his approach and this was confirmed today by the Court.

The Court indicated that Judge Gamble's findings were not supported by the evidence led before him.

The Court will give the reasons for the decision at a later stage. During argument, the Appeal Court Judges suggested strongly that Judge Gamble did not have the power to make the finding against the City as he did. The SCA ordered that the matter should be referred back to the Western Cape High Court so that a proper hearing can take place.

Statement issued by Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town, May 27 2014

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