All matters enrolled in the motion court and on the court roll, including criminal trials and appeals, will be postponed until a later date after the lockdown period
ONLY urgent matters will be heard in the Northern Cape High Court division during the lockdown period from midnight tonight until April 16, to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
No criminal trials, or appeals, any civil matters, opposed applications, appeals and reviews, including matters in the circuit and motion courts, will be sitting during this period.
Northern Cape High Court Judge President Pule Tlaletsi stated yesterday that urgent applications had to be addressed to the Registrar, in writing, whereby reasons would have to be provided as to why it could not be entertained once the lockdown period had expired.
All matters enrolled in the motion court and on the court roll, including criminal trials and appeals, will be postponed until a later date after the lockdown period, while postponements will be done in chambers by a designated judge on duty.
Parties involved in these matters will not be required to be in attendance, as matters will be remanded in absentia of accused persons and witnesses, unless otherwise arranged.
Tlaletsi indicated that the Registrar and Directorate of Public Prosecutions would ensure that the revised dates of cases would be communicated to witnesses, accused persons and, where applicable, places of detention.
The Registrar can be e-mailed at [email protected].
Chief Justice Moeng Moeng on Tuesday advised all heads of high courts and magistrate’s courts to issue directives to enable access to the courts for urgent matters, bail applications, maintenance and domestic violence matters, as well as matters involving children.
He pointed out that even during a national state of disaster, courts were required to remain open.
