Judgment reserved in Erasmus Commission case

Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille

Lawyers representing the City of Cape Town in its challenge of the constitutionality of the Erasmus Commission of Inquiry into spying allegations in the city are adamant that Mayor Helen Zille has complied with all reasonable efforts before bringing the matter to the Cape High Court.

Owen Rogers, for the city, was responding to an argument by Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool's lawyers that Zille had failed to comply with the framework act dealing with inter-governmental disputes. Rogers says the fact that Zille raised objections to the formation of the original Erasmus Commission was an effort to avoid a judicial route.

He says the reconstitution of the commission on March 9, despite the mayor's objection, is an indication that Rasool also failed to avoid the matter being brought to court.

The Cape High Court has reserved judgment in the matter.