Johannesburg Magistrate Court: Services, Address and Case Info (2026)

Posted on Author Bells Hardingstone

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court is one of South Africa’s most significant judicial institutions, handling civil, criminal, and family matters in the heart of the city. This guide provides essential information about the court’s services, contact details, and how to access case information.

Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court Guide

Quick Reference

  • Physical Address: Corner of Fox and Ntemi Piliso (formerly West) Streets, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
  • Alternative Address: 26 Fox Street (cnr Fox & West Street), Johannesburg 2000
  • Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Johannesburg 2000, Gauteng
  • Court Manager: Mr Donald Makhani
  • Main Switchboard: 011 491 5000
  • Fax: 011 834 1222
  • Family Court: 011 836 0671
  • Criminal Court Matters: 011 491 5000 (ask to be referred)

Location and Directions

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court is located in the Marshalltown area of the Johannesburg CBD, at the intersection of Fox Street and Ntemi Piliso Street (formerly West Street).

Landmarks Nearby:

  • The Market Theatre is approximately 750 metres north
  • MuseuMAfricA is approximately 730 metres northwest
  • The Johannesburg Central Police Station is nearby
  • Chancellor House (where Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo had their law firm) is close by

GPS Coordinates: 26°12’28″S, 28°02’05″E
Waze Directions: Use “Ntemi Piliso St, Ferreirasdorp, Johannesburg” for navigation

Operating Hours

  • Court Building (General): Monday – Friday, 07:45 – 16:15
  • Civil Section (Administration): Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:00 (estimated)
  • Criminal Section: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:00 (estimated)

The building is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Court Sections and Services

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court is divided into three main judicial sections:

1. Civil Section

The Civil Section handles all civil matters brought before the court in terms of the Magistrate’s Court Act 32 of 1944. It is located on the First Floor of the courthouse.

Civil Courts and Sittings:

  • Court 25: Trial Court | Monday – Friday, 08:30 | Room 1061 | Contact: 011 491 5098 (Ms Mokwevho/Ms Makamu)
  • Court 26: Section 65 (Emoluments Attachment Orders) | Thursday, 09:00 | Room 1056 | Contact: 011 491 5290 (Ms Mbulali)
  • Court 27: Debt Review Matters | Monday – Thursday, 09:00 | Room 1056 | Contact: 011 491 5290 (Ms Mbulali)
  • Court 28: Motion Court | Monday – Thursday, 09:00 | Room 1061 | Contact: 011 491 5098
  • Court 38: Equality Court | Monday – Friday, 09:00 | Contact: 011 491 5085

Civil Administration Enquiries:

  • Ms Lindi Page: 011 491 5122
  • Ms Bongiwe Qhwalana: 011 491 5292

2. Family Court

The Family Court handles adoptions, child care, divorces, domestic violence, and maintenance matters.

  • Telephone: 011 491 5000 or 011 836 0671
  • Location: Within the Magistrate’s Court building

3. Criminal Section

The Criminal Section deals with criminal matters, traffic fines, and judicial enquiries into unnatural deaths.

  • Contact: Call 011 491 5000 and ask to be referred to the appropriate person

Small Claims Court

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court operates as a Small Claims Court.

  • Claim Limit: R20,000 (maximum amount that can be claimed)
  • Who Can Claim: Any individual (not companies, close corporations, or associations). Persons under 18 must be assisted by a parent or guardian
  • Who Can Be Sued: Anyone except the State. Note: Claims cannot be instituted against municipalities or local government
  • Claim Reduction: If your claim exceeds R20,000, you can institute a claim for a lesser amount to pursue your case in the Small Claims Court
  • Hillbrow Branch Court: Small Claims Court sits Monday – Thursday at 16:45 | Contact: Mr Mnisi, 011 491 5295
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More information is available at: http://www.justice.gov.za/scc/scc.htm

Equality Court

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court also operates as an Equality Court.

Purpose: Equality Courts help individuals who believe they have suffered unfair discrimination, hate speech, or harassment. Anyone can take a case to the Equality Court, even if they are not directly involved.

Types of Complaints: Unfair discrimination, hate speech, or harassment.

  • Court: Equality Court sits in Court 38, Monday – Friday at 09:00
  • Contact: 011 491 5085

More information is available at: http://www.justice.gov.za/EQCact/eqc_main.html

Accessing Case Information

Civil Case Information

  • Trial Court matters (Court 25): Ms Mokwevho or Ms Makamu, Room 1061 | 011 491 5098
  • Motion Court matters (Court 28): Ms Mokwevho or Ms Makamu, Room 1061 | 011 491 5098
  • Section 65 / Debt Review matters: Ms Mbulali, Room 1056 | 011 491 5290
  • General civil administration: Ms Lindi Page | 011 491 5122 or Ms Bongiwe Qhwalana | 011 491 5292

Criminal Case Information

For criminal matters, traffic fines, or enquiries into unnatural deaths, call 011 491 5000 and you will be referred to the appropriate person.

Family Court Case Information

For adoptions, child care, divorces, domestic violence, and maintenance, call 011 491 5000 or 011 836 0671.

Important Branches and Sub-Districts

The Johannesburg Magisterial District includes several branch courts and sub-districts:

  • Alexandra Sub District: Alexandra Detached Court
  • Booysens Sub District: Booysens Branch Court
  • Brixton Branch Court: Brixton
  • Hillbrow Branch Court: Hillbrow
  • Jeppe Branch Court: Jeppe
  • Lenasia Sub District: Lenasia Branch Court
  • Newlands Branch Court: Newlands
  • Randburg Sub District: Randburg Magistrate Court, Midrand Branch Court, Diepsloot Family Court
  • Roodepoort Sub District: Roodepoort Magistrate Court
  • Soweto Sub District: Soweto Detached Court, Kliptown Branch Court, Meadowlands Branch Court, Orlando Branch Court

For cases that fall under these branches, contact the relevant branch court directly.

Small Claims Court

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court operates as a Small Claims Court.

  • Claim Limit: R20,000 (maximum amount that can be claimed)
  • Who Can Claim: Any individual (not companies, close corporations, or associations). Persons under 18 must be assisted by a parent or guardian
  • Who Can Be Sued: Anyone except the State. Note: Claims cannot be instituted against municipalities or local government
  • Claim Reduction: If your claim exceeds R20,000, you can institute a claim for a lesser amount to pursue your case in the Small Claims Court
  • Hillbrow Branch Court: Small Claims Court sits Monday – Thursday at 16:45 | Contact: Mr Mnisi, 011 491 5295
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More information is available at: http://www.justice.gov.za/scc/scc.htm

Equality Court

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court also operates as an Equality Court.

Purpose: Equality Courts help individuals who believe they have suffered unfair discrimination, hate speech, or harassment. Anyone can take a case to the Equality Court, even if they are not directly involved.

Types of Complaints: Unfair discrimination, hate speech, or harassment.

  • Court: Equality Court sits in Court 38, Monday – Friday at 09:00
  • Contact: 011 491 5085

More information is available at: http://www.justice.gov.za/EQCact/eqc_main.html

Accessing Case Information

Civil Case Information

  • Trial Court matters (Court 25): Ms Mokwevho or Ms Makamu, Room 1061 | 011 491 5098
  • Motion Court matters (Court 28): Ms Mokwevho or Ms Makamu, Room 1061 | 011 491 5098
  • Section 65 / Debt Review matters: Ms Mbulali, Room 1056 | 011 491 5290
  • General civil administration: Ms Lindi Page | 011 491 5122 or Ms Bongiwe Qhwalana | 011 491 5292

Criminal Case Information

For criminal matters, traffic fines, or enquiries into unnatural deaths, call 011 491 5000 and you will be referred to the appropriate person.

Family Court Case Information

For adoptions, child care, divorces, domestic violence, and maintenance, call 011 491 5000 or 011 836 0671.

Important Branches and Sub-Districts

The Johannesburg Magisterial District includes several branch courts and sub-districts:

  • Alexandra Sub District: Alexandra Detached Court
  • Booysens Sub District: Booysens Branch Court
  • Brixton Branch Court: Brixton
  • Hillbrow Branch Court: Hillbrow
  • Jeppe Branch Court: Jeppe
  • Lenasia Sub District: Lenasia Branch Court
  • Newlands Branch Court: Newlands
  • Randburg Sub District: Randburg Magistrate Court, Midrand Branch Court, Diepsloot Family Court
  • Roodepoort Sub District: Roodepoort Magistrate Court
  • Soweto Sub District: Soweto Detached Court, Kliptown Branch Court, Meadowlands Branch Court, Orlando Branch Court

For cases that fall under these branches, contact the relevant branch court directly.

Historical Significance

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court building was constructed in 1941 and has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s legal and political history.

Notable Historical Events:

  • Nelson Mandela made a brief appearance in this court on 8 August 1962 on charges of leaving the country without a passport and inciting workers to strike
  • Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela defended many cases here during their years as lawyers
  • On 20 May 1987, a bombing by Umkhonto we Sizwe (the ANC’s armed wing) resulted in the deaths of four police officers and injuries to 15 others

Nearby Landmark – Shadow Boxer Statue:
Between Chancellor House and the Magistrate’s Court stands Marco Cianfanelli’s Shadow Boxer statue, inspired by Bob Gosani’s 1953 photograph of Nelson Mandela sparring on a rooftop. The statue was unveiled on 25 May 2013.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Where is the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court located?
    The court is located at the corner of Fox and Ntemi Piliso (formerly West) Streets in Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
  • What are the court’s operating hours?
    The building is open Monday to Friday, 07:45 to 16:15. Individual court sessions commence between 08:30 and 09:00.
  • How do I contact the Family Court?
    Call 011 491 5000 or 011 836 0671.
  • How do I contact the Criminal Court?
    Call 011 491 5000 and ask to be referred to the appropriate person.
  • What is the Small Claims Court limit?
    You can claim up to R20,000 in the Small Claims Court.
  • Can companies use the Small Claims Court?
    No. Only individuals can use the Small Claims Court—companies, close corporations, and associations cannot.
  • What does the Equality Court handle?
    The Equality Court deals with complaints of unfair discrimination, hate speech, or harassment.
  • Where can I find branch courts like Hillbrow or Soweto?
    The Johannesburg Magisterial District has several branch courts. For a full list, see the “Important Branches” section above.

Case Information

  • How do I find out about my civil case?
    Contact the relevant clerk of the court based on your case type (see “Civil Case Information” section).
  • How do I find out about my criminal case?
    Call 011 491 5000 and ask to be directed to the criminal section.
  • How do I get information about a maintenance or divorce matter?
    Contact the Family Court on 011 491 5000 or 011 836 0671.

Visiting the Court

  • Is there parking available?
    The court is in the Johannesburg CBD. Paid parking is available nearby. Arrive early as parking can be limited.
  • What should I bring when visiting the court?
    Bring your case number (if you have one), identification document, and any relevant paperwork.
  • Is the court accessible by public transport?
    Yes. The court is near Westgate Bus Station and is accessible via ride‑hailing services (Uber/Bolt) and taxis.

Conclusion

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court is a central institution for legal matters in Gauteng, offering civil, criminal, and family court services under one roof. With dedicated sections for Small Claims and Equality matters, the court serves a wide range of community needs. Whether you are attending a trial, seeking a protection order, or following up on a case, the contact information and guidance provided here will help you navigate the system.

For the most up‑to‑date information, contact the court directly on 011 491 5000 or visit the official Department of Justice website at www.justice.gov.za.

Note: All information is current as of March 2026. Court hours, contact details, and services are subject to change. Please verify details with the court directly before visiting.