The Pretoria High Court handles big civil and criminal matters from across Gauteng and beyond. If a case affects politics, business or public services, chances are it will pass through this court. Here you’ll find quick, practical tips on how to track cases, read judgments and attend hearings without surprises.
Start with the court roll. The registry publishes daily and weekly rosters showing which matters will be heard. If you don’t know the roll details, search by party name or case number. Two free sources that reporters and the public use are SAFLII (South African Legal Information Institute) for full judgments, and the official Judiciary site for notices and press releases.
Many high‑profile hearings attract live reporting, and lately some courts offer livestreams for open matters. If a livestream isn’t available, local news outlets and legal blogs often publish fast summaries and court room notes. For authoritative documents, download the judgment PDF on SAFLII or ask the registrar for certified copies if you need them for legal use.
Arrive early. Security checks are routine and you’ll need to show ID. Courtrooms fill quickly during important hearings. Dress smart-casual — not formal robes, but tidy clothes. Most hearings are open to the public unless a judge orders them in camera for privacy or safety reasons.
Hearings move fast. Bail applications and urgent interdicts can be decided in hours or days. Trials and appeals take longer — sometimes months. If you plan to report or take photos, check media rules with the registry first. Some judges allow note-taking and live reporting but ban photography or recording without permission.
When reading a judgment, focus on three parts: the facts (what happened), the reasoning (how the judge reached a decision) and the order (what the court actually decided). Headnotes and summaries help you spot the main points quickly. If a judgment uses legal language you don’t follow, check a trusted legal explainer or ask a lawyer for a plain-English summary.
If you need case documents, contact the court registry. For journalists, media desks or legal PR teams can often arrange access and interviews. For the public, many filings are public records, though sensitive materials may be sealed.
Want updates from Desert Rose Daily? Use this tag page to see our coverage of major Pretoria High Court matters as they happen. We link to judgments and key filings when available, and we try to explain what decisions mean for ordinary people — not just legal professionals.
Questions about a specific hearing? Send the case number, names and date to the court registry or to a local legal aid clinic. Courts are public institutions — with the right info, you can follow the story closely and understand its impact.
The ongoing murder trial of former South African soccer star Senzo Meyiwa in the Pretoria high court has seen some significant events. Two men on trial have raised concerns about their conditions at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. Forensic supervisor Pinky Vythilingam's testimony confirmed that a SIM swap was performed on Meyiwa's phone hours after his death.