Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Africa

It will depend on the purpose for which your appearance is set down on the 11th. If it is for Plea and Trial, you will most likely not be allowed a postponement, but if it is for any other purpose, such as further investigation, it is possible to reach agreement with the prosecutor that you will be absent from court and return to court on a later, agreed upon date.

It is usually best to have legal representation when dealing with the prosecutors in this way to ensure that there are no misunderstandings regarding the further arrangements. Please bear in mind that even though you may reach agreement with the state regarding your absence at court, the court will still authorise a warrant for your arrest, but hold it over until the later date that you agree upon with the state. Should you then fail to appear on this later date, the warrant will be issued and you will be arrested.

It is advisable that you make these arrangements as soon as possible before Monday in order to avoid last minute problems.

If you need legal representation in the Cape Town area, I would suggest you contact Ben Mathewson of Mathewson Gess Attorneys on 083 285 7657. They specialise in criminal defence work.

Best of luck,