Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act No. 17 of 2011)

2. Application for protection order

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(1)A complainant may in the prescribed manner apply to the court for a protection order against harassment.

 

(2)If the complainant or a person referred to in subsection (3) is not represented by a legal representative, the clerk of the court must inform the complainant or person, in the prescribed manner, of—
(a)the relief available in terms of this Act; and
(b)the right to also lodge a criminal complaint against the respondent of crimen injuria, assault, trespass, extortion or any other offence which has a bearing on the persona or property of the complaint or related person.

 

(3)
(a)Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the application for a protection order may, subject to paragraph (b), be brought on behalf of the complainant by another person who has a material interest in the well-being of the complainant or related person;
(b)An application referred to in paragraph (a) must be brought with the written consent of the complainant, except in circumstances where the complainant is a person who, in the opinion of the court, is unable to do so.

 

(4)Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any child, or person on behalf of a child, may apply to the court for a protection order without the assistance of a parent, guardian or any other person.

 

(5)The application referred to in subsection (1) may be brought outside ordinary court hours or on a day which is not an ordinary court day, if the court has a reasonable belief that the complainant or a related person is suffering or may suffer harm if the application is not dealt with immediately.

 

(6)Supporting affidavits by persons who have knowledge of the matter concerned may accompany the application.

 

(7)The application and affidavits must be lodged with the clerk of the court who must immediately submit the application and affidavits to the court.