Only essential justice services to continue during Covid-19 lockdown
Matters on the court roll will be rescheduled.
As part of government’s measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, only essential justice services will be available at courts between 10am and 1pm daily during the national lockdown (March 27 to April 16).
In a statement earlier today (April 1), Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola issued amended directions to address, prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19 in all courts, court precincts and justice service points.
“While every effort is being made to ensure that South Africans can access essential justice services, we urge
members of the public to work with us to adhere to the lockdown measures to stop the spread of the virus,” said Minister Lamola.
Family law services will only attend to urgent applications in respect of matters referred to the Family Advocate by the court with urgent applications. Applications for protection orders will still be addressed, as will enforcement orders.
The offices of the Master of the High Court will attend to urgent appointments in terms of deceased estates as well as curatorship.
Criminal courts will be open to preside over bail hearings and first applications. Matters on the court roll will be rescheduled and members of the public will be informed of new dates for court appearances.
Audio-visual remand technology at correctional centres will be used as widely as possible to mitigate the need for
persons in custody to appear in court.
The department encourages members of the public to adhere to the regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002.
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