Evidence
What evidence do you need for a protection order?
The goal is not to collect the most material. It is to preserve reliable evidence that proves the incidents and the pattern you rely on.
Evidence checklist
Preserve the strongest proof first
Relevance, authenticity and context matter more than volume.
Messages and digital communications
Preserve complete WhatsApp, SMS, email and social-media exchanges where possible. Keep dates, times, sender details and surrounding context.
Call and voice evidence
Keep call logs, voice notes and lawfully obtained recordings in their original form. Note who is speaking, when the communication occurred and why it matters.
Photographs and video
Images may support allegations of injury, property damage, surveillance or presence at a location. Preserve originals and avoid unnecessary editing.
Medical and police records
Medical notes, injury photographs, SAPS references and previous reports may corroborate events where relevant. A prior criminal case is not required for every protection-order application.
Independent witnesses
Identify people who personally saw or heard material events. Record exactly what each person can confirm.
A chronology
Keep a simple dated list of the material incidents. It helps connect each piece of evidence to a specific allegation without turning the evidence page into the affidavit itself.
Do not destroy context
Please note. This page provides general information on South African law and does not constitute legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts. You should consult this firm, or any attorney, before acting on it.
Evidence review
Not sure what evidence is useful?
We can review the available material, identify gaps and help you decide what should support the application.