Insights into Law: Articles, Analysis, and Legal Perspectives

Gittins Attorneys extends sincere condolences to the Sithole family, and to Thomas’s friends,  classmates and educators. The loss of a young person is devastating. It is understandable  that loved ones want clear answers, accountability where wrongdoing is proven, and a  process that treats the family with dignity.  This article does two things. First, it summarises the key facts that can be identified from  credible public reporting and police statements. Second, it explains

As we enter the festive season, many people behave as though the road laws are also on holiday. In reality, this is exactly when our traffic laws should be taken most seriously to ensure a safe and stress-free break for everyone. Law enforcement shares this concern, which is why roadblocks are a frequent sight during December. For most motorists, being pulled over by the police can feel intimidating - but understanding your rights and responsibilities can ensure a safe, lawfu

On Friday, 21 November 2025, South Africa reached a critical inflection point in its response to gender-based violence (GBV). As thousands of women and allies mobilised across major cities, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) formally classified gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act. The timing was highly symbolic. The decision and the marches coincided with South Africa hosting world leaders for th

“Appreciate those who give you their time. It is not just time, it is a piece of their life.” When people think of attorneys, they often picture courtrooms, dramatic arguments, and sharp suits delivering powerful closing statements. It is a glamorous image shaped by media and movies. But behind every moment like that is a mountain of unseen work.   As someone who works in legal administration, I have a front-row seat to that world - the part that few ever see - and it deserve

The legal architecture South Africans live under South Africa has steadily tightened its laws to respond to gender‑based violence (GBV) while preserving fair‑trial rights: Domestic Violence Act No. 116 of 1998 (“DVA”) — the backbone statute for protection orders, now read with the Domestic Violence Amendment Act No. 14 of 2021, which broadened definitions, enabled easier applications (including after‑hours and electronically), and sharpened officials’ duties. It also confirms

Paris awoke to disbelief on the morning of the 19 th  of October 2025. In one of the most daring crimes of the century, thieves in high-vis gear used a basket lift to reach the Louvre Museum’s façade, scaled the side of the world’s most famous museum, and entered through a second-floor window. Within minutes (reports vary between six and eight) they shattered display cases in the glittering Galerie d’Apollon and vanished with jewels worth millions: treasures that had adorned

If you’ve been caught in the cycle of borrowing from an illegal lender, often known as  a loan shark, you are not alone. Loan sharks are unregulated lenders who often prey  on vulnerable individuals by offering quick, unsecured loans with excessively high  interest rates and unethical repayment terms.  However, it is important to understand that you have legal rights, and there are steps  you can take to address this situation. At Gittins Attorneys Incorporated, we are  profi

What is the Madlanga Commission? Formally titled the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and...

“SHOOT FIRST, ASK QUESTIONS LATER”? WHY THAT IS NOT SOUTH AFRICAN SELF-DEFENSE LAW A recent YouTube video titled “Shoot first, ask...

In South Africa, protection orders are an essential component of the legal system that protects people from stalking, harassment,...

In South Africa, crime is an unfortunate reality that touches nearly every community.  Understanding the role of the South African Police...

Introduction In recent years, South Africa has gained unwanted attention for being a base of operations for companies running...

Introduction  South African law recognises the importance of testamentary freedom, which is the right of an individual to determine what...

The Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957: South Africa's Colonial Legal Relic  In a country celebrated for having one of the most...

As I embark on my two-year-long journey as a candidate attorney, I've come to realise that there are numerous misconceptions surrounding...

Cannabis has long been a topic of contention in South Africa, evolving from prohibition  to becoming a regulated industry with exciting...

South Africa’s gun laws are among the strictest in the world, primarily governed by the  Firearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA). The Act was...