Did you know that our court building hosts many services?

The Nelspruit Magistrate's Court provides various services. It hosts the District Court and the Regional Court. This is based on the jurisdiction of the courts to adjudicate matters.

The former may preside over civil matters where the monetary value of the claim is R200 000 or less.

The amount for the Regional Court is R400 000. With regard to criminal cases, the district courts have jurisdiction over all offences with the exception of treason, murder and rape, whereas regional courts may adjudicate all crimes except treason.

A District Court can impose a fine of not more than R120 000 or a prison sentence of not more than three years, while a Regional Court can impose a fine of not more than R600 000. Prison sentences may be granted as prescribed by criminal law.

Our Magistrate's Court also provides the services of the following specialist courts:

Divorce Court

Divorce cases were previously heard only in high courts. This position changed in 2008 with divorce cases now being heard every Friday in the Nelspruit Regional Court, located on the first floor of the court building.

Children's Court

This court does not deal with criminal cases, but regulates issues relevant to the basic needs of children and the responsibilities of parents towards their children.

It makes decisions about children who are abandoned, neglected or abused. Any person/child may approach the clerk of the Children's Court when he/she believes that a child may be in need of care and protection.

Child Justice Court

It deals with children who are accused of committing crimes in accordance with the Child Justice Act, whereas adult accused are dealt with in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.

This means that kids under the age of 18, who are suspected of having committed crime, will not be dealt with in terms of the normal criminal procedure which is used for adults, but the child justice process will be followed.

Maintenance Court

Parents who do not get support for their children from the other parent can claim go to the Maintenance Court to claim maintenance from that parent.

There is a maintenance officer in charge of these matters. It is not necessary to have an attorney to claim maintenance.

If one of the parents of the child refuses to pay then the case must go to the Maintenance Court. In that case, this officer will provide the necessary assistance.

Domestic Violence and Harassment Court

Applications for protection orders and orders to put a stop to harassment can be lodged at the Domestic Violence Court.

This application is accompanied by an affidavit and, if the magistrate is unable to decide whether the order should be granted on the affidavit alone, a hearing will ensue. Once such an order has been granted, breach thereof will have criminal charges as a consequence.

Small Claims Court

This court has jurisdiction to hear any civil matter involving less than R12 000, depending on the facts of the matter.

The presiding officer is called a commissioner. The small claims court can be contacted through the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court.

Sexual Offences Court

As sexual offences are prevalent in our country, our court has a specialist Sexual Offences Court, which is located on the second floor.

This court has been furnished in such a way that children and victims get the required care, respect and support that is due to them.