William Booth Attorneys is a Criminal Defence Law Firm located in Cape Town, South Africa with over three decades of experience. We deal with matters throughout South Africa and have international clients.

We are driven by service excellence and pride ourselves on the formidable relationships we have established throughout the industry.

Our client-centric approach and our specialised knowledge have firmly established us as leaders in criminal law.

SENIOR LEGAL TEAM

William Booth is a highly respected and experienced Criminal Defence Attorney in Cape Town , South Africa. He is the Chair of the Law Society of South Africa’s Criminal Law Committee and serves on the Legal Aid Committee. He has served on various law society councils .

He also serves on various committees at the Legal Practice Council, Western Cape and is a regular commentator nationally and internationally in the media. He is listed under Best Lawyers in South Africa 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the category Criminal Defence.

He is also a lecturer for Legal Education and Development (LEAD) where he trains and educates young budding lawyers throughout South Africa. He has also on occasion lectured at the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape to university students and candidates.




Dear South Africa

The COVID-19 regulations emanate from s27(2) of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002.

The regulations impose limitations on what we may or may not do. Transgressing them may result in an offence. The offences are punishable by either a fine or period of imprisonment or both a fine and period of imprisonment.

It is important that you understand that contraventions of the COVID-19 regulations are managed by both the criminal justice system and the Metro law enforcement.

Any contravention noted by an official of the South African Police Service (“SAPS”) will incur consequences in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act 55 1977. This means that a person will be arrested, charged at the police station and released on bail or warning before their first appearance in Court.

However the Criminal Procedure Act allows for a person to pay an admission of guilt (“AOG”) fine at the police station to finalise the matter as well. Payment of this AOG will result in a criminal record.

Consequently, any fingerprints taken by SAPS allows them to update your criminal profile once the payment of the AOG has been processed.

On the other hand, contraventions noted by Metro law enforcement and any fine issued by the City will not amount to a criminal record. These are also issued in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act but they are not noted on your criminal profile.

We do note that many people are being wrongfully arrested and charged during this time for alleged contraventions of the regulations. We have had cases where clients have been en route to buy essential goods and have ended up with court date instead of a date loaf. If you do find yourself in this predicament we advise against signing the AOG at the police station.

Please know that you cannot be detained at the police station during this time and you will be released and given a court date. You do not have to pay any AOG to be released.

Stay safe,

William Booth Attorneys



Should you require legal representation kindly refer to the numbers listed below.

Office hours: 021- 671 6484 (8:30am – 5.30pm)

After hours: Delia Zeederberg (Office Manager/ Paralegal)
072 976 1331



Call our office

Office: +27 (0)21 671 6484

Call our office manager:

Delia Zeederberg: + 27 (0) 72 976 1331

Call our lawyers:

William Booth: +27 (0) 83 250 9556
Rejean Maralack: +27 (0) 63 888 1933

PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR OFFICE MANAGER AND LAWYERS ARE AVAILABLE AFTER HOURS FOR URGENT MATTERS.

You can consult with us at our office or via Zoom.

Unit 5, First Floor
35 on Rose
35 Rose Street
Cape Town
8001
Office contact details: 021- 671 6484 (8:30am – 4:30pm)

EMAIL: william.booth@wbooth.law.za or reception@wbooth.law.za