Hermanus councillor faces criminal charges after February’s meeting

In February this year, analyst Wilem Petzer made a video about a ward meeting in Sandbaai, Hermanus, where residents were forcefully removed by police.

Following the meeting, the Overstrand Accountability Collective (OVAC) helped affected Sandbaai residents prepare and submit ten supporting affidavits. Criminal assault charges have since been laid against those involved, with case numbers CAS 8/04/2026 and CAS 9/04/2026 registered with the South African Police Service in Hermanus.

We contacted those involved for comment, but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Here is a statement written by Anton Kruger of OVAC.

Significant concern has arisen in Sandbaai regarding the conduct of the Sandbaai ward councillor and other municipal officials. Allegations of irregularities, nepotism, and even fraud have been raised.

A formal complaint was submitted to Anton Bredell and, according to Executive Mayor Archie Klaas, the matter is currently “under investigation.”

Complainants indicate that this “investigation” has now been ongoing for more than six months. It has been suggested that a central issue is whether Henk Lombard (Council Member, Ward 14) and Hybre Lombard (Councillor, Ward 14) are married, which, if confirmed, may constitute nepotism and could call into question Henk Lombard’s eligibility to serve on the Ward Committee. While this is widely regarded as common knowledge, experience shows that, in political matters, outcomes do not always align with readily available facts.

Frustration regarding the delay came to a head on 12 February 2026 during a Ward 14 meeting. Despite the ongoing investigation, the ward councillor—under the observation of the deputy mayor—proceeded to consider and attempted to approve agenda items directly related to the concerns raised by residents. It appeared that objections were anticipated, as law enforcement officials were present in significant numbers.

When ratepayers voiced their objections, the ward councillor called upon law enforcement to remove members of the public. Several individuals, including elderly residents, were forcibly removed or left under threat of removal, causing unnecessary distress.

OVAC strongly condemns this conduct, which reflects poorly on local governance. Ratepayers should be encouraged to express their views, not discouraged or intimidated from doing so, and councillors should respect those views. Given the seriousness of the allegations under investigation, no decisions relating to the disputed matters should, in our view, have been pursued until the investigation is concluded.

OVAC further notes with concern the apparent use of force against ratepayers who were exercising their right to raise legitimate concerns.

In terms of South African law, assault includes the unlawful and intentional application of force to another person, or conduct that inspires a reasonable belief that such force is imminent.

OVAC has assisted affected Sandbaai ratepayers in preparing and submitting ten supporting affidavits. Criminal charges of assault have been laid against those involved, and case numbers CAS 8/04/2026 and CAS 9/04/2026 have been registered with the South African Police Service in Hermanus.

The matter is currently under investigation by the South African Police Service. Once the investigation is concluded, the docket will be submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision on whether to prosecute. OVAC will continue to monitor developments and keep the public informed.