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Default Judgements

Overview

In a civil case, a plaintiff may apply for a default judgment where the defendant has not filed an appearance. Judgement may be entered against such party.

Who is eligible?
  • Plaintiff in case or other non-criminal disputes involving damages of more than BWP60 000.00 at the Magistrate court 
  • Any individual or organisation involved as a plaintiff in a High Court case is eligible to apply for a default judgement following the failure to appear by the defendant in a civil case.
How do I get this service?

  • Once the defendant has failed to appear at the set court date or enter a defence within the allotted time, an applicant can request a default judgement by filing one of the application for judgment in default most relevant to the situation involved (as outlined below). 
  • The application form is to be submitted to the Registrar of the High Court/ Magistrate

What supporting documents are required?

The applicant should file one of the following forms depending on the situation:

  • Applicant is requesting award in monetary terms for specified amount or an amount easily ascertainable with interest. Application for Judgment in Default -Demand Liquidated.
  • Applicant is requesting award for damages in an amount to be determined by the court. Application for Judgment in Default - Demand unliquidated.
  • Applicant is requesting a return of goods in possession to the plaintiff or monetary equivalent .​ Judgment in Default - Detention of Goods ​.
  • Applicant seeks to recover possession only of land currently held by the defendant.  No monetary awards for damages. Interlocutory Judgment in Default – Lands, Damages and Costs (Form 33).
  • Applicant seeks to recover possession only of land currently held by the defendant.  No monetary awards for damages. ​Judgment in Default – Recovery of Land Only (Form 34).
  • Applicant is requesting an award in cash for damages as in the initial case filing for damages with interest.  This is for situations where the defendant has failed to appear at every court date. Request for Default Judgment.

How long will this service take?

Three months

How much does it cost?

 A processing fee of BWP120.00.

Where can I obtain this service?

 HIGH COURTS AND MAGISTRATES COURTS CONTACTS

Court of Appeal

Private Bag 00316

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel: (+267) 371 8000

Gaborone High Court

P O Box 00220

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel: (+267) 3718000

Fax: (+267) 3915119 

Francistown High Court

Private Bag F13

Francistown

Botswana

Tel: +267 241 2125

Fax. (+267) 2416378

Lobatse High Court

Private Bag 001

Lobatse

Botswana

Tel: +267 5338000

Fax: (+267) 5332317

Regional  Magistrate Court-North

Private Bag F149

Francistown

Botswana

Tel: (+267) 2410624

Regional  Magistrate Court- South

Private Bag BR293

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel: (+267) 3956339

Gaborone -  Village 
Private Bag  X10
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 3956381

Extension II
Private Bag X10
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 3956381

 
Lobatse
Private Bag 16
Lobatse
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 5330540

 
Kanye
Private Bag 17
Kanye
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 5440276/ 78

 
Jwaneng
Private Bag 10
Jwaneng
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 5880628

 
Mochudi
Private Bag 029
Mochudi
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 5777601

 
Molepolole
Private Bag 0022
Molepolole
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 5920402

 
Tsabong
Private Bag 359
Tsabong
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 6540277

 
Gantsi
P. O. Box 206
Gantsi
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 6596352 

 
Maun
Private Bag 0271
Maun
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 6860370


Francistown
Private Bag F19
Francistown
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 2413793
Masunga
Private Bag 11
Masunga
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 2489277

 
Letlhakane
Private Bag 32
Letlhakane
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 2976666


 
Selibe Phikwe
Private Bag 003
Selibe Phikwe
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 2610321


 
Serowe
Private Bag 14
Serowe
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 4630386

 
Palapye
Private Bag 15
Palapye
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 4920401

 
Mahalapye
P. O. Box 22
Mahalapye
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 4710326 

 
Kasane
Private Bag K5
Kasane
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 6250337 


 
Hukuntsi
Private Bag 10
Hukuntsi
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 6510148

 
Bobonong
Private Bag 003
Selibe Phikwe
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 2629790

 
Gumare
P. O. Box 35
Gumare
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 6874511
Where can I get more information on this Service

The Registrar and Master
High Court - Gaborone
Private Bag 00220
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel: (+267) 3718000 / (+267) 3971706
Fax: (+267) 3915119 

The Deputy Registrar
High court of Botswana
Private Bag F13
Francistown
Tel: (+267) 2412125 / (+267) 2416378
Fax. (+267) 2416378

The Deputy Registrar
High Court - Lobatse
Private Bag 001
Lobatse
Botswana
Tel: (+267) 5338000 / (+267) 5332317
Fax: (+267) 5332317

Further information on the Originating process can be found in Order 6, Rules of the High Court.

 Opening hours 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

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