A local resident is again being threatened by a developer's lawyers.

Rob Garbett of Riverside Estates (RSE), who exercised his constitutional right to question aspects of the Mountainview Estate development bordering RSE, recently received a letter from VFV Mseleku, attorneys for Mountainview, threatening him with court action if he did not “desist from vexatious action”.

Rob has replied, challenging the threat: “In my view the legal profession should not be used as a conduit to make hollow and unsubstantiated threats”.

This country-wide tendency by some developers to try and intimidate members of the public has been noted by the media. “Perhaps the most immediate threat comes from those with money and power who are using the courts, or threat of the courts, to stifle critical voices,” said the Mail&Guardian (28/10/05). This type of action is called a SLAPP suit – Strategic Litigation against Public Participants.

The threat of SLAPP suits has also contributed to the establishment of organisations such as the Centre for Environmental Rights and Northern Environmental Rights Forum.