South African court based in Cape Town hearing constitutional and high-profile legal challenges including impeachment proceedings and taxation disputes.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Western Cape High Court
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Western Cape High Court declared a section of South Africa's VAT Act unconstitutional
“The Western Cape High Court has declared a section of South Africa's VAT Act unconstitutional, stating that it improperly delegates legislative powers to the executive.”
Western Cape High Court strikes down finance minister's unconstitutional tax powersThe Namibian
Western Cape High Court found guilty three individuals convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin Smith
“Joshlin's mother, Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis, and family acquaintance Steveno 'Steffie' van Rhyn were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court following the child's disappearance from her Middelpos, Saldanha Bay home on 19 February 2024.”
Joshlin Smith: Sentenced trio set to appeal their convictionsThe Namibian
Western Cape High Court delivered judgment in trial about disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith
“Two months after beginning with trial proceedings about the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, Western Cape High Court judge Nathan Erasmus delivered his judgment in the matter on Friday at Saldanha Bay in South Africa.”
Joshlin Smith accused convicted, but family still appealing to mother to ‘come clean' about missing childNako Energy is seeking to liquidate South Africa's state-owned PetroSA over an unpaid R606-million fuel debt, but PetroSA says Nako owes it R833-million for diesel and that offsetting both debts would leave Nako liable for R227-million.
23 hours ago · The Namibian →
Nako Energy is seeking to liquidate South Africa's state-owned PetroSA over an unpaid R606-million fuel debt, but PetroSA says Nako owes it R833-million for diesel and that offsetting both debts would leave Nako liable for R227-million.
23 hours ago · The Namibian →
The Democratic Alliance, a member of South Africa's Government of National Unity coalition, has joined AfriForum and the Institute of Race Relations in challenging the Expropriation Act, which would permit the government to expropriate land without compensation in certain circumstances. The high court in Cape Town is hearing arguments over five days on the Act's validity and constitutionality, with the Presidency, Parliament, and the Economic Freedom Fighters presenting counter-arguments.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament's impeachment committee voted 14–13 to appeal an interdict halting public proceedings against President Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala forex theft; delays over procedural matters such as appointing evidence leaders and finalising terms of reference suggest a lengthy process ahead if hearings commence.
30 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Western Cape High Court heard arguments from opposition parties who urged the court to reject President Ramaphosa's urgent interdict to prevent Parliament's impeachment committee from starting proceedings against him over the Phala Phala saga. The ATM, EFF, MK, and UAT parties argued that granting the interdict would encroach on Parliament's authority.
16 July 2026 · The Namibian →
President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed an urgent court application to halt Parliament's Phala Phala impeachment inquiry, arguing that a Constitutional Court judgment has revived a dormant Section 89 panel report that could threaten his presidency. The report found prima facie evidence that he may have committed serious violations of the Constitution and law in handling the theft of at least $580,000 from his farm.
16 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Petrol prices in South Africa are set to increase sharply in June as the government phases out its fuel tax relief, with 95 unleaded expected to reach all-time highs of R27.42 at the coast. Diesel prices are forecast to decrease slightly, but relief is constrained by the government's planned reduction of the fuel tax reprieve from 3 June.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Western Cape High Court declared that South Africa's VAT Act unconstitutionally delegates tax-setting authority to the finance minister, a power that must rest with parliament. Judge Matthew Francis ruled that parliament has 24 months to remedy the constitutional defect, with the current VAT rate to remain in effect unless parliament itself amends the law.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →