
Request for an interdict
Elements of a request for an interdict in South Africa. Here’s a breakdown to get you started:
Essential Components
- 📌 Parties Involved: Clearly identify yourself (the applicant) and the person you’re seeking the interdict against (the respondent). Include full names and addresses.
- 📌 Jurisdiction: Specify the court where you’re filing the application (usually the Magistrate’s Court with jurisdiction over the area where the respondent resides or where the issue is occurring).
- 📌 Nature of the Interdict: State whether you’re seeking an interim interdict (temporary order until a full hearing) or a final interdict (permanent order).
- 📌 Grounds for Interdict: Explain why the interdict is necessary. This section should detail the specific conduct by the respondent that you want to be stopped. Be clear, concise, and factual.
- 📌 Evidence: List any evidence you have to support your claims. This could include witness statements, police reports, photos, videos, emails, text messages, or any other documentation that proves the respondent’s actions and the harm they’re causing.
- 📌 Relief Sought: Clearly outline the specific actions you want the court to order the respondent to stop doing (e.g., contacting you, entering your property, etc.).
- 📌 Date: Include the date you’re filing the application.
Here’s an example structure you can adapt
IN THE [NAME OF MAGISTRATE’S COURT]
Case No.: [To be completed by the Court]
In the matter between:
[Your Full Name] Applicant
and
[Respondent’s Full Name] Respondent
REQUEST FOR INTERDICT
- Introduction
I, the Applicant, hereinafter referred to as “[Your Name]”, residing at [Your Address], hereby apply for an [Interim/Final] Interdict against the Respondent, [Respondent’s Name], residing at [Respondent’s Address].
- Grounds for Interdict
[In this section, detail the specific actions of the Respondent that are causing you harm. Be sure to provide specific dates, times, and locations if possible. Briefly explain how these actions are causing you harm.]
- Evidence
[List all the evidence you have to support your claims. This could include witness statements, police reports, photos, etc.]
- Relief Sought
I, therefore, request the following order:
- A rule nisi be issued calling upon the Respondent to show cause why an [Interim/Final] Interdict should not be granted interdicting the Respondent from:
- [List specific actions you want the Respondent to stop doing (e.g., contacting you, entering your property, etc.)]
- Conclusion
Dated: [Date]
_________________________
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Important Note
- 📌 This is a sample structure, and the specific content of your request for an interdict will vary depending on your unique situation.
- 📌 It’s highly recommended to consult with a lawyer specializing in interdicts. They can guide you through the legal process, ensure your request is properly drafted, and represent you in court if necessary.
Here are some additional resources that might be helpful:
- ✅ Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (South Africa): https://www.justice.gov.za/forms/forms_list.html
- ✅ Legal Aid South Africa: https://legal-aid.co.za/
Remember:
This information is for general knowledge purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance on requesting an interdict in South Africa, consulting with a qualified lawyer is crucial.

