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Sheriff’s report to the South African Board for Sheriffs and must comply with various laws when performing their duties. If you have a complaint, or if you are unsure of your rights, contact the South African Board for Sheriffs.
For more information and to locate a sheriff, visit the South African Board of Sheriffs' website: www.sheriffs.org.za
The sheriff is an impartial and independent official of the Court appointed by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
The Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff must serve or execute all documents issued by our courts. These include summonses, notices, warrants and court orders.
The South African Board for Sheriffs (SABFS) monitors the service of Sheriffs and their Deputies, ensuring it is executed in a humane manner in terms of the Code of Conduct for Sheriffs. Sheriffs operate independently from each other, in fact, they are private business people.
All Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs must carry a valid Identification Card issued by the South African Board for Sheriffs while on duty and must be able to produce it on request.
The Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff must serve or execute all documents issued by our courts. These include summonses, notices, warrants and court orders.
What must you do if the Sheriff comes to your home or work?
What rights does the Sheriff have?
When executing duties with a legal court order the Sheriff can:
What rights do you have?
Sheriffs are appointed to act within a specific magisterial district or an area within a district.
The role of the Sheriff is required when there are civil judgements against people who have failed to pay their accounts, their rent or municipal services and maintenance. They also serve documents in divorce and family violence matters.
GG 35696, GoN 764 [283kb] Sheriffs Act: Appointment of Sheriffs (14 Sep 2012)
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development,have under section 2 of the Sheriffs Act, 1986 (Act No. 90 of 1986), appointed persons listed in the accompanying Schedule as sheriffs in vacant offices corresponding to their names. The appointments take effect on 1 December 2012 or any other date as may be arranged between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the persons I have so appointed as sheriffs, which must be a date before 1 December 2012. Enquiries in this regard may be made at the South African Board for Sheriffs at the following contact details: 021 462 3209 or website www.sheriffs.org.za.