Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Supreme Court of Eswatini and Small Claims Court in Mbabane have been relocated to the Central Bank of Eswatini buildings.
All along, the Supreme Court has been housed together with the High Court of Eswatini near the Mbabane Government Hospital while the Small Claims Court in Mbabane has been stationed at the Mbabane Magistrate Courts since its inception.
The relocation of these Eswatini courts underscores government’s commitment to quality service delivery and improved working facilities for effeciency and effectiveness.
According to a notice posted at the Mbabane Magistrates Court entrance, the Small Claims Court has since been relocated to the Central Bank of Eswatini.
For assistance, citizens can visit the nearest Magistrate’s Court to speak with a clerk.
The Judiciary is responsible for the administration of justice in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Eswatini.
Meanwhile, the Small Claims Court in Eswatini is a specialised, fast, and cost-effective legal venue for resolving civil disputes involving amounts up to E20 000.
Designed to be accessible without lawyers, it allows individuals to claim money owed, or resolve contractual disputes, with proceedings often informal. These courts are generally housed within existing magistrate’s offices.
Courts in Eswatini are under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Key Aspects of the Eswatini Small Claims Court
Jurisdiction Limit: The maximum claimable amount is E20 000.
Types of Cases: Unpaid debts, contractual disputes, and, within the limit, certain property/lease disputes.
Representation: Legal practitioners (lawyers) are generally not allowed to represent parties; it is a “do-it-yourself” court.
Process:
Letter of Demand: You must first send a formal letter of demand to the debtor.
Summons: If no response, you approach the clerk of the court to issue a summons.
Hearing: A commissioner presides over the, usually informal, hearing.
Outcome: Judgments are binding, and if not paid, a warrant of execution can be issued to the sheriff.
