About
Why this guide exists
It was built by a parent walking beside a child through a criminal case, because no single place explained what was coming next.
When you are suddenly inside the legal system, everyone around you already knows the words, the rhythm and the waiting. You do not. This guide tries to give you the map that nobody hands out: what each stage is called, what actually happens there, roughly how long it takes, and what will be asked of you.
Where the information comes from
The content is drawn from publicly available South African sources — the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid South Africa, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Service Charter for Victims of Crime, the Criminal Procedure Act and the rules of the magistrates' courts. Where something could not be confirmed from a public source, it was left out rather than guessed at.
What this guide is not
It is general information, not legal advice. Every case has its own facts, and only the prosecutor, an attorney or Legal Aid SA can advise you on yours. Procedures and contact numbers also change over time, so confirm anything important with the court or the organisation itself.
Privacy
Nothing personal is collected here. There are no accounts and no case details are stored. The only thing kept is your choice of whether you are the victim or witness, or supporting someone — and that stays on your own device.