Selected decisions of the Native Appeal Court (North-Eastern Division), 1948

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SELECTED DECISIONS

OF THE

NATIVE APPEAL COURT

INDEX

This index is a complete guide to all cases reported in Volume I up to the 31st December, 1951, and previous

indices may be destroyed

THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, PRETORIA G.P.-S.SOOl-1952-3-500.

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INDEX OF LITIGANTS.

PAGE B.

Bhengu, Shizwe v. Ziticile Bhengu... 112

Bhengu Ziticile; Shizwe Bhengu

v...

112

Bhulose, Elias v. Makhosini Nzimande... 331

Billy, John; James Mutali v... 324

Biyela, Mpangeni and Ors.; Zanempi Nzuza

v...

319

Biyela, Tshayinkuku v. Nguqu Nxumalo ... · . . . 261

Butelezi, Christina d.a.; Ntsonjwana Masondo

v...

118

Butelezi, Citja v. Hambake Majozi. . . 40

Butelezi, Mavela: Tom Butelezi

v... . . . . . . . .

85

Butelezi, Muntukahlonyulwa v. Wabayi Butelezi... . . 52

Butelezi, Solomon v. Muntumunye Mtetwa.... . . 232

Butelezi, Tom v Mavela Butelezi.... . . 85

Butelezi Wabayi; Muntukahlonyulwa Butelezi

v...

⁵²

Butelezi, Zephaniah; Vumazonke Mbata

v...

341

c.

Cebekulu, Fabagiya v. Jotham Xulu... 100

Cebekulu, Ngada v. Thomas Nxumalo. .. . . • . . . 101

Cele, Joakim v. Hezekial Ndokweni... 162

Chauke, Piet; George Ngobeni v... 173

Ciliza, Aaron; Johnson Mlaba v... 391

Ciliza, Paulos; Oscar Nyirenda v... 167

Ciya, Mkohliswa v. Aaron Dhlamini. . . 93 D.

Dhladhla, Mndani and Ors. v. Vela Linda ...•.••.•

Dhlamini, Aaron; Mkohliswa Ciya v .•.•.•••••••••••••••••

Dhlamini, Bekeni v. Mhlongote Mkize and Ano ...•

Dhlamini, Dhlani; Gelele Mvelasi v •.•...••••.••...•

Dhlamini, Dwani v. Mtshweki Dhlamini. ... . Dhlamini, Mantinda; Sidani Mkize v •••••.••••••••••.••••

Dhlamini, Mdhleleni and Ors. v. Sokwetshata Ngubane ...

Dhlamini, Msuseni; Joseph Zwane v ••••.•••••••••••••••••

Dhlamini, Sifo v. Samson Mdhluli ...•...•...

Dhludhla, Mbabi v. Matifolo Ndhlovu ...•.•...

Dichabe, Mita; Wilfred Dichabe v ••.••.•.•.••.•••••••••.•

Dichabe, Wilfred v. Mita Dichabe ... ·~ ..

Dlamuka, Mkandwa v. Mdodemyama Kumalo ... . Duba, Ntekani v. Mayila Nkosi ...•...

Dube, Annah d.a. v. Sopbia Tusi ...•.•....•

Du be, Levi and Ano.; Stanley Mhlongo v ••• ••••.•••••••••

Dube, Robert v. William D. Dube ...•.•

Fakude, Makhuluma v. Magwebedlana Nkwanyana ... .

G.

Gambu, Joseph v. Lottie Radebe ...•..•..•...

Gazu, Muziwomathe v. Dlaba Zulu ...•..•...•..

Gcwabe, Herman v. Dinah Nkosi ...••.•••.

Go ba, Gandi v. Lethiwe Kumalo ...•....

Gumede, Gezinkomo and Ano.; Maqude Mzimela v ••••• ••

Gumede, Madelwa v. Mpiyonke Gumede ... . Gumede, Muhle; Phikalipi Gumede v •. •.••••••••••.•••..•

Gumede, Nozishada v. Bekukwenza Mbili ....•....•...

Gumede, Phikalipi v. Muhle Gumede ...••...

Gumede, Simon v. Annie Mngadi d.a ...•••..•

Gwala, Malawu; Zachariah Maduna v •••..••.••••••••••••

Gwamanda, Enock v. Nsizwana Ndimande ... . Gwambe, Fanny; Solomon Gwambe

v ...• •....•...•

Gwambe, Solomon v. Fanny Gwambe ... , ... . 73 93 38

•

2~~

313 14 353 33 131 Ill 111

43 7 218 137, 164

251 358

91, 121 307 372 345 102 217 134, 171

22 134, 171

238 54 58 113 113

PAGB H.

Hlatshwayo, Obed v. Daniel Hlongwane... . . 201

Hlongwane, Daniel; Obed Hlatshwayo

v... ... ..

201

J. Jele, Tengumute v. Bacitile Manqele d.a... 17

July, Mlomo v. Sikatele Mdunyelwa... . . . . • • • . • . • . . . 140

K.

Khanyi, Mabhengwane v. Samuel Nkosi and Ano ... . Khati, Conrad v. Alanus Myende ... . Khoza, John; Kazamula Malungane v •• ••.••••..••.•.•..• Khuluse, Mzake; Ebenezer Kuswayo v .•••••••••••.•.••.• Koza, Siboshwa v. Mbulawa Mtetwa ... . Kubheka, Msupa; Makakeni Mazibuko v ••••.•••.•••••••• Kubisa, Hlomentabeni; Mhlomuleni Ngema v •..•.••.•••••. Kubone, Paulos; Xanjana Mjoli v .. •..•••••.•..•.•..•.••• Kumalo, Lethiwe; Ganda Gobi v •••••••••••••••••••••••• Kumalo, Mangaliso v. Pita Kumalo ...•... Kumalo, Mdodemnyama; Mkandiva Dlamuka v ....•..•... Kuzwayo, Ebenezer v. Mzwake Khuluse ... . Langa Phuma Sikothe Bus Co.; A. R. J. Mtimkulu v .. .•..• Langa, Masothsha v. Bizeni Langa ... . Langa, Sydney; Lydia Marudu v. ••••••••••••••• · •••••••••• Lechelele, John v. Dinah Lechelele ... . Ledwaba, Gideon; Tryphina Ledwaba v •••••••. ••••••••••• Ledwaba, Tryphina v. Gideon Ledwaba ... . Linda, Godfrey; Lyntjies Nkambula v .••.•••••••..•....•. Linda, Vela; Mndani Dhladhla and Ors. v ... ... .

M.

10 230 81 321 177 12 344 370 345 . 186 43 321 355 193 106 240 398 398 60, 7Q 73 Mabaso, Merica; Elda Mnguni

v...

74

Mabaso, Mpiyena; Zephaniah Mahaye v. . . . 280

Mabaso. Njambili v. Sikwayo Nduli.... . . 266

Mabuza, Joseph v. Dick Mathole. . . • . • . . . • 175

Maci, Mpepeni v. James Sibisi... . . . • . . . 138

Madide, Mdeku v. Simon Zwane... 35

Madonsela, Fred; Nyangana Ntuli and Ors. v.. .. . . 88

Maduma, Joseph v. Anania Mncube. . . 11

Maduna, Zachariah· v. Malawu Gwala... . . . • . . 54

Magadla, Nkosana v. Edward Tsemane. .. .. . . 383

Mahaye, Zephaniah v. Mpiyena Mabaso... 280

Mahlangu, Piet; Martiens Moeti

v...

23

Mahlatje, P. and Ors. v. Kgomo Masemula... 25

Majozi, Hambake; Citja Butelezi

v...

·40

Malembe, Sadu v. Nqutu Nkala. . . • . . . • . • . . . 199

Malungane, Kazamula v. John Khoza... •.. • 81

Manaso," Madami v. William Manaso... ... . . 144

Manaso, William; Madami Manaso

v...

144

Mangwane, Ramokane v. Executor· Estate late Sixpence Mangwane. . . • • . . . . 243

Manqele, Bicitile d.a.; Tengumuti Jele

v... . . .

17

Manqele, Conco v. Mkishwa Cebekulu... 208

Maphoto, Benjamin; Jackson Mohlola

v...

1

Marudu, Lydia v. Sidney Langa... 106

Maseka, Herman v. Samuel S. Dhladhla... 215

Masemula, Kgomo; Koos Matli and Ors.

v... .. . .

25

Mashakwe, Bethuel v. Frank Mashakwe... 272

Mashakwe, Frank; Bethuel Mashakwe

v...

272

Masimeke, John; Hlengwane Mitilene

v...

29

Masoka, Mbali v. Bangimpi Mcunu... . . . 327

Masondo, Mnengwa v. Mangubo Nkosi... 6

Masondo, Ntsonjwana v. Christina Butelezi d.a... · 118

Mathole, Dick; Joseph Mabuza

v...

175

Matlala, William v. Ephraim Tompa... . . . 404 ii

PAGE

Matli, Koos and Ors. v. Kgomo Masemula... 25

Matsego, David; Mariam Matsego

v... ...

298

Matsego, Meriam v. David Matsego... . . • . . . • . . . 298

Mazibuko, Mahoyana; Mvungazeli Mazibuko

v...

157

Mazibuko, Makakeni v. Msupu Kubheka... 12

Mazibuko, Mvungazeli v. Mahoyana Mazibuko... 157

Mbata, Daniel v. Ngalaza Mdhluli... . . . . • . • • . . . 117

Mbata, Mbangambi v. Mbango Zungu... 72

Mbata, Mqiniseni v. Simeon Zulu and Ano... . . . 86

Mbata, Vumazonke v. Zephaniah Butelezi... 341

Mbili, Bekukwenza; Nozishada Gumede

v...

22

Mbolekwa, C. B. and Ors. v. Kgomo Masemula.. . . 25

Mbongwa, Liza v. Xosheyake Mbongwa... 338

Mbongwa, Xosheyake; Liza Mbongwa

v... ....

338

Mbuyiswa, George; Qonda Mncwabe

v...

13

Mcunu, Bangimpi; Mbali Masoka

v...

327

Mcunu, Mdhludhlo v. lsiah Ngubane... . . . 57

Mdhlalose, Bihilda; Dhlozi Ngcobo and Ano.

v... . . . . .

68

Mdhlalose, Bugubu; Hlongo Mdhlalose

v... .

318

Mdhlalose, Hongo v. Bugubu Mdblalose... 318

Mdhluli, Ngalaza; Daniel Mbata v •• •••••.••.•••••••• : • • • 117 Mdhluli, Samson; Sifo Dhlamini

v...

33

Mdima, Nkambane; Mtukuzi Mtshali v •.• •..•••.•.••••..• 322, 395 Mdunge, Nduna; Mdepa Mkize

v... ...

283

Mdunyelwa, Sikatele; Mlomo July

v... . . .

140

Mfeka, Masokingi; Manzolwandhle Ngema v.. . . . 77

Mhlongo, Mdalambana; Mhlungu Sikosana

v.... . . .

20

Mhlongo, Mzimane v. Kleinbooi Mtshali... 9

Mhlongo, Ruth Z. and Ano.; Stanley Mhlongo

v...

164

Mhlongo, Phaphayi; Falikayize Zulu

v...

³⁰²

Mhlongo, Stanley v. Levi. V. Dube and Ano ... 137, 164 Mhlungu, Mantizela v. Victor Mhlungu... 192

Mitilene, Hlengwane v. John Masimeke... . . 29

Mjoli, Xanjana v. Paulos Kubone... . . . 370

Mkatshwa, Caroline; Ephraim Mvemve

v...

²⁸⁴

Mkize, Jacob; Mtakati Mngadi and Ors. v ••.• ••••••••••••• 185, 333 Mkize, Mafezulu; Thokozile Mkize v.. . . . 360

Mkize, Magwanyana; Bhoza Mtiyane. . . 45

Mkize, Makleintjies v. Mazuma Mkize. . . 39

Mkize, Mazuma; Makleintjies Mkize

v... . . . . . . . . . .

39

Mkize, Mcatakeli; Mafilika Ngcobo

v...

375

Mkize, Mdepa v. Nduna Mdunge.... . . • . . . 283

Mkize, Mhlangote and Ano, Beken Dhlamini v.. . . . 38

Mkize, Mpikwa; Yalekile Mkize

v...

336

Mkize, Ngcindezi v. Jonathan Makatini and Ano. . . 207

Mkize, Ngonondwane and Ano.; Bekeni Dhlamini

v...

38

Mkize, Sidani v. Mantinda Dhlamini... 313

Mkize, Thokozile v. Mafezulu Mkize... 360

Mkize Yalekile v. Mpikwa Mkize... . . 366

Mkonza, Mgangane and Ano.; Mabhengwane Khanyi

v...

¹⁰

Mkwanazi, Mfiswa v. Zitume Zulu... 18

Mlaba, Gamalake v. Johanna Mvelase... 314

Mlaba, Johnson v. Aaron Ciliza... 391

Mlaba, Mishack; Guba Ngcobo

v...

³¹¹

Mlotshwa, Ezela v. Zishi Ndwandwe. . . 190

Mlomo, July v. Sikatele Mdunyelwa... 140

Mncube, Anania; Joseph Maduma

v... .. ..

11

Mncube, Esau v. Constance Mncube. . . 229

Mncwabe, Qonda v. George Mbuyiswa... . . 13

Mndaweni, Gibson v. Jan Mavundhla... 264

Mngade, Aaron v. Stephen Zuma.:... 128

Mngadi, Jabulani v. Zachariah Ngwane... 104

Mngadi, Mtakati and Ors v •••••.••••••••••••••••••••••• 185, 333 Mnguni, Elda v. Merica Mabaso... . . . 74

Mntambo, Josiah v. Herbert Ndaba... 149

Moeti, Martins v. Piet Mahlangu... 23

Mohlola, Jackson v. Benjamin Maphoto.... . . • 1

PAGE

Mokgohloa, Thapedi v. Jan Senornadi... . . . 325

Mokgoko, Efrairn and Ors.; Gustav Pelo

v.. . ... ... . .. ....

¹⁷⁹

Molefe, Regina d.a. and Ano.; v. Magnus Madondo... 257

Molete, Constance; Lucas Molete

v...

⁴⁸

Molete, Lucas v. Constance Molete... 48

Morenwa, Alfred Adarn; Hendrik Mtandaba

v...

³²⁶

Mpanza, Qulungele v. Mhlekwa Shezi... 169

Mpungose, Mbhasobeni; Mtibeli Ntornbela

v...

¹⁵⁰

Mqadi, Ndabezita; Fanyana Ntusi

v...

³⁸⁵

Msinga, Masanyusa v. Alzina Suntsha d.a.. . . • 267

Msorni, Mharnbi v. Nzuka Msorni .. ,... 155

Mternbu, Mjabuliseni v. Mpiyonke Mternbu... 377

Mternbu, Mpiyonke; Mjabuliseni Mternbu

v...

³⁷⁷

Mtetwa, Madebu v. Mkando Mtetwa.... •. . . 225

Mtetwa, Mbulawa; Siboshwa Koza

v...

¹⁷⁷

Mtirnkulu, A. R. J. v. Langa Phurna Sikothe Bus Co... . . 355

Mtiyane, Bhoza; Magwanyana Mkize,

v...

⁴⁵

Mtshali, Albertina d.a.; Moses Mtshali

v...

¹¹⁹

Mtshali, Edrnond; Mxotshwa Ziqubu... 285

Mtshali, Kleinbooi; Mzirnane Hlongo

v...

9

Mtshali, Moses v. Albertina Mtshali d.a... . . . 119

Mtshali, Mtukuzi v. Nkarnbane Mdirna ... 322, 395 Mutali, Jarnes v. John Billy. . . 324

Mutandaba, Hendrik v. Alfred Adarn Morenwa... 326

Mvelase, Gelele v. Dhlarni Dhlarnini... 46

Mvelase, Johanna; Garnalake Mlaba

v...

³¹⁴

Mvernve, Ephrairn v. Caroline Mkatshwa... 284

Myeza, Gideon v. Annanias Ngwenya... 279

Myeza Gwernbu d.a.; Mponswa Ngwabe

v...

^~89

Mzirnela, Maqude v. Gezinkorno Gurnede & Ano... . . 102

Mzirnele, Velarnva; Nkohlo Ntuli

v...

¹⁹

Mzobe, Fayibe and Ano. v. Shuleni Tushini and Ors... .. . I

N.

Nda-ba, Herbert; Josiah Mntarnbo

v...

¹⁴⁹

Ndhlovu, Matifolo; Mbabi Dhludhla

v...

131

Ndhlovu, Mzukela v. Mpiyonke Sibisi... 234

Ndirna, Nason v. Leonard Tshange... 44

Ndirnande, Nsizwana; Enock Gwarnanda

v...

⁵⁸

Ndirnande, Shakaza; John M. Ntuli

v...

¹³⁰

Ndokweni, Hezekial; Joakirn Cele

v...

¹⁶²

Nene, Nkeyana: Oscar Nkwanyana

v...

294

Ngcango, Joseph v. Kristina Jele N.O... . . . • . . 275

Ngcobo, Clifford v. Mdbleni Ngcobo.. .. . . 320

Ngcobo, Dhlozi and Ano, v. Bihildi Mdhlalosa.. . . • . . . • 68

Ngcobo, Guba, v. Mishack Mlaba... 311

Ngcobo, Mafilika v. Mcatekeli Mkize. . . 375

Ngcobo, Mdhleni; Clifford Ngcobo

v...

³²⁰

Ngcobo, Mpendu v. Mapango Pewu... .. . . 76

Ngcobo, Mpiyonke; Mzitshwa Ngcobo

v...

⁴⁷

Ngcobo, Mzarneni v. Zitonto Sibiya... . . . 323

Ngcobo, Mzikayise v. Makosini Mkize... 249

Ngcobo, Mzitshwa v. Mpiyonke Ngcobo... . . . 47

Ngcobo, Sidurno and Ano, v. Shuleni Tushini and Ors... 1

Ngcobo, Sirnon v. Gurnede Sibiya... 227

Ngcobo, Thomas v. Nornpundu Mzobe... . . . 235

Ngerna, Jubele v. Kakaba Ngerna... 213

Ngerna, Kakaba; Jubele Ngerna v.. . . . 213

Ngerna, Matshana; Parnbaniso Nzuza

v...

⁹⁸

Ngerna, Mhlornuleni v. Hlornentabeni Kubisa. . . • 344

Ngidi, Edwin; Sirnon Zwane

v...

³⁴⁶

Ngidi, Sibara; Bantubanjani Sitole and Ors.

v...

55

Ngobeni, George v. Piet Chauke... 173

Ngobese, Bangubukosi; Size Nxurnalo

v...

¹⁶

Ngubane, Iziah; Mdhludhlo Mcunu

v...

⁵⁷

Ngubane, Nkwayinkwayi v. Mhoshane Ngubane. . . 225 iv

Ngubane. Sokwetshata; Mdhleni Dhlamini and Ors. v •••••• Ngubo, Caiphas; Mguli Nkosi v .. ... . Ngwabe, Mponswa v. Gwembu Myeza d.a ... . Ngwane, Zachariah; Jabulani Mngadi v ... ••.•••••.•••••••

Ngwenya, Annanias; Gideon Myeza v ... . Nkabinde, Elias; Remod Nkabinde v ..•...•.•••••..•.•

Nkabinde, Remod v. Elias Nkabinde ... . Nkambula, Lyntjies v. Godfrey Linda ...••...

Nkosi, Dinah; Herman Gcwabe v •.•••..••••• •.•••••••••••

Nkosi, Mangubo; Mnengwa Masondo v •.•...••••••••.••.

Nkosi, Mayela; Ntekane Duba v ... . Nkosi, Mguli v. Caiphas Ngubo ... . Nkosi, Samuel and Ano.; Mabhengwane Khanyi v . ..•..••.

Nkwanyana, Magwebedlana; Makuluma Fakude v .• •••••••

Nkwanyana, Oscar v. Nkeyana Nene ...•...

Ntombela, Elliot; Jason Tshange v .• •••••••••••.••.••••••

Ntombela, Mshiza v. Magiya Zungu ... . Ntombela, Mtibeli v. Mbhasobeni Mpungose ... . Ntsele, Lamfana v. Lloyd Mngwengwe ... . Ntuli, Bunywana v. Mazobeyana Nzumalo ... . Ntuli, John M. v. Shakaza Ndemande ...•..•...

Ntuli, Mapipi v. Hlutskumfazi Ntuli ... . Ntuli, Nyangana and Ors. v. Fred Madonsela ... . Ntuli, Nkohlo v. Velemva Mzimela ... . Ntusi, Fanyana v. Ndabezita Mqadi. ... . Nxaba, Enoch and Ano.; Gilbert Nxaba and Ano. v ... •.

Nxaba, Gilbert and Ano. v. Enoch Nxaba and Ano ...•

Nxaba, Gilbert v. Estate late AI den Nxaba ... . Nxumalo, Elijah v. Mtakati Nxumalo ... . Nxumalo, Mtakati; Elijah Nxumalo v ...•.. ...•••••.••

Nxuma-lo, Size v. Bangubukozi Ngobese ... . Nxumalo, Thomas; Ngada Cebekulu v ...•••...•.•..

Nyawo, Ndoda and Ano.; Francis Nyawo v •.•.•.•...••••.

Nyawo, Francis v. Ndoda Nyawo and Ano ... . Nyirenda, Oscar v. Paulus Giliza ... ; ... . Nzimande, Jackson v. Vincent Phungula ... . Nzimande, Makhosini; Elias Bhulosa v ....•••.••...•...

Nzumalo, Mazobeyana; Bunywana Ntuli v ••••••...•.•

Nzuza, Greta v. Abraham Nzuza ... . Nzuza, Pambaniso v. Matshana Ngema ... . Nzuza, Zanempi v. Mpangeni Biyela and Ors ... .

P.

PAGI!

14 87 389 104 279 67 67 60,79 372 6 7 87 10 358 294 160 302 150 219 290 130 211 88 19 385 295 295 237 318 318 16 101 378 378 167 386 331 290 239 98 319

Pelo, Gustav v. Ephraim Mokgoko and Ors.. • . • • • . . . 179

Pewu, Mapanga v. Mpendu Ngcobo... . . . 76

Phungu1a, Vincent; Jackson S. Ndimande

v...

³⁸⁶

R. Radebe, Charlie; Mcunuke1wa Tshoba

v...

³³²

Radebe, Lottie; Joseph Gambu v •. •.••.•••••••••••••••••.• 91, 121 Rabede, Mkatini v. Mbandh1wa Tshape... . . . . • . . . • 36

s.

Scheerkop v. Picenin Umboni. . . • . . . 245

Sebeko, Jantjie v. Koos Mahlangu... 241

Sekoele, Johannes and Ors.; Joseph Sekoe1e and Ors. v .•.• . 220, 182 Sekoele, Joseph and Ors. v. Johannes Sekoe1e and Ors ... 220, 182 Senomadi, Jan; Thapedi Mokgohloa

v...

³²⁵

Shange, Leonard; Nason Ndima v.. . . . 44

Shobede, Mzibeni v. Tuwa Shobede ... 135, 340 Shobede, Tuwa; Mzibeni Shobede v ... • 135, 340 Shoyisa, Lukhasa v. Ngqozi Shoyisa.. . . 309

Shoyisa, Ngqozi; Lukhasa Shoyisa v. . . . • 309

Sibanda, J. v. James Sito1e... 347

Sibisi, James; Mpepeni Maci v... 138

PAGE

Sibisi, Simpofu v. Daniel Sibisi... 188

Sibiya, Gumede v. Joseph Mtshali.. .. . . • . • . . • . . . • . . 198

Sibiya, Hezekiah v. Leuchars Sibiya... 61

Sibiya, Leuchars; Hezekiah Sibiya

v...

⁶¹

Sibiya, Waiter; Thomas Zulu

v... . . .

³⁶³

Sibiya, Zitonto; Mzameni Ngcobo

v...

323

Sihlangu, Mandata v. Manyosi Sihlangu and Ors.... . . I 52 Sihlangu, Manyosi and Ors.; Mandata Sihlangu

v...

152

Sikosana, Mhlungu v. Ndalambane Mhlongo. . . • . . 20

Simelane, Ananias; Joshua Simelane v ...•.•.•... . 288, 291 Simelane, Joshua v. Ananias Simelane .•...••. 288, 291 Sitole, Bantubanjani and Ors. v. Sibara Ngidi.. . . 55

Sitole, James; J. Sithole

v...

347

Soni, Mbukiso v. Yezeni Soni... 366

Soni, Tshayeli v. Felokwake Ciliza... 206

Soni, Yezeni; Mbukiso Soni

v... ... . .

366

Sosiba, Notshevu and Ors. v. Bambingubo Maduna... . . 260

T. Thibedi, T. W. v. J. Qoloma and J. G. Mpongoo ..

00...

269

Tompa, Ephraim; William Matlala v ...

0...

404

Tsemane, Edward; Nkosana Magadla

v.... . . .

383

Tshange, Jason v. Elliot Mtombela... . . . • • • . . • . . 160

Tshapa, Mbandhlwa; Mkatini Radebe v.. .. .. •. . . • . . . 36

Tshoba, Mcunukelwa v. Charlie Radebe.. . . • • . • . . • . . 332

Tushini, Shuleni and Ors.; Fayibe Mzobe and Ano.

v... . .

¹

v.

Vilakazi, Sarah d.a. v. David Xaba... .. .. .. 70

X.

Xaba, David; Sarah Vilakazi d.a. v,, . ... . Xulu, Jotham, Tabagiya Cebekulu

v... . . .

¹⁰⁰

Xulu, Msikeni v. Nkemezeli Zulu... 343

z.

Ziqubu, Mxotshwa v. Edmond Mtshali. . . 285

Zulu, Dlaba; Muziwomathe Gazu

v...

³⁰⁷

Zulu, Falikayise v. Phaphayi Mhlongo... 302

Zulu, Madovuyana v. Ntshosho Z. Nkosi... 227

Zulu, Nkemezeli; Msikeni Xulu v.. .. . . . . . 343

Zulu, Simeon and Ano.; Mqiniseni Mbata v ... . , • . . . . • . . • . 86

Zulu, Thomas v. Waiter Sibiya... 363

Zulu, Zitume; Mfiswa Mkwanazi v ...

0...

18

Zuma, Stephen; Aaron Mngade v ... o ..

0...

128

Zungu, Gulanzo; Mntukayise Zungu v.. . . . 95

Zungu, Magiya; Mshiza Ntombela

v...

³⁰²

Zungu, Mbango; Mbangambi Mbata v.. . . . 72

Zungu, Mntukayise v. Gulanzo Zungu.. .. . . 95

Zwane, Joseph v. Msusene Dhlamini... . . 353

Zwane, Simon; Mdeku Madide

v...

35 Zwane, Simon v. Edwin Ngidi. .. ^{0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •} 346

vi

SUBJECT INDEX.

PAGE A.

ABDUCilON-

Damages. . . • . . . 128 Intention to abduct... . . . 345 ADMINISTRATION ACT, NATIVE: No. 38 OF 1927-

Section 10... 4 10 (3) .•.•... 247, 363 11 ... ··· ... 81, 347,386 11

(2)... 404

11(3) ... ; ... 15,61' 12... •. ... . . .. . ... . . .. 40 12

(4)...

^{44, 38S}

12

(5)...

^20t

15... 301 16... 55·

18

(1)...

^{81, 358;}

20... 11Z 22 (1) ••••••••.•••••••••••••••••••••••• 61, 81, 326, 398·

22 (6)... 113·

23 (4)...

238:

28... 23~

AmUATION-

Requisites... . . . 85·

AGENCY-

Not known to natives... 140 .ALLOTMENTS-

See under" NATIVE CusTOMS".

ANIMALs-

Damages caused by... 198

.APPEALS-

Filing of additional grounds... 1, 157 From Native Chief's Court ... 395, 344, 385, 43, 261 Late noting of appeal. ... 1, 6, 40, 67, 73, 74, 266 To Native Appeal Court-prosecution of. . . 1 To Native Appeal Court-service of notice of set down. 16 Notice of appeal-defamation cases... 17 Reasons for appeals... . . . 7 From Native Appeal Court to Appelate Division... • . . 78 ARBITRATION-

' Law of-statutory-Proc. 123/31... . . . 255

AssAULT-

Actionable under Natal Native Law... 319 Damages for ... 12, 55, 73, 319, 324, 389 Defences-retaliation... . . . 177 Quantum of damages-award increased.... . . 232 Quantum of damages-provocation... 260 AssOCIATIONS-

Delegation of powers by life trustees. . . • • • . . . 160 CHIEF, NATIVE-

c.

Defamation, privilege ... .

Clm.DREN-

Claim for custody by father-'-Citing of mother ... . Contract for purchase of child ... . Custody of adulterine children ... . Custody on divorce-Christian marriage ... .

77 326 395 353 87,398

PAGE Custody on dissolution-Native customary union ... 336, 360

Maintenance of deceased's... 155

Maintenance of illegitimate.. . . 386

CLERK OF THE NATIVE CoMMISSIONER's CoURT- Assistance to native litigants... 11

CoDE- See" NATAL CoDE oF NATIVE LAw". CoMPENSATION- Stock theft-where compensatory fine imposed... 131

CONDONATION OF LATE APPEAL- See" PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE-Appeals". CoNTRACTS- Betting... . . 267

Capacity of Native wife ... 74, 118, 150 Immoral... 313

Partnerships-action by partner against. . . 186

Purchase of child... 395

Sale... 16

Sisa ... 93, 104, 169, 375 CosTS- Costs ... · .. 101, 207 Where tender made. . . 52, 72 CoUNSEL- Challenging authority to appear. . . 355

CouRTS-NATIVE APPEAL CoURT- Appeals to Appellate Division... 78

Judgment-rescission of ... 175, 183 Rules-G.N. 2254/28- Rule 7 ... . 9 (1) ... . 10 ... . 12 (1) .•..•...•...•...•.•... 28 ... . CoURTS: NATIVE CHIEF's- 25,92 317 360 34 2 Appeals from ... . 11, 17, 43, 111, 385 Appeals-extension of time for noting ... 318, 322 Attachment-execution of judgment... 201

Interpleader. . . 36

Jurisdiction-defamation (Natal)... 39

Registration of judgments... 314

Rules-G.N. 2255/28- Rule 2... 20

5...

¹¹

7...

43

9... 43, 314 CoURTs-NATIVE COMMISSIONERs- Appeals to-<:ondonation late noting... 11, 318 Dismissal of summons where no plea or exception filed.. 241

Exceptions. . . 179

Jurisdiction-<:ancellation of title deeds... . . . 1

Jurisdiction-<:ause of action arising in area.. . . 363

Plea... . . . • . . . 102, 179 Rescission of judgment-requirements... 245

viii

PAGB Rules-G.N. 2253/28-

Rule I... 92

3... ... 7

26...

33

26

(a)... ...

I04 27... 58

28 ... 20, 344, 318 30(1) ... -... 55

30 (6) . . . • . . . 247

.. 35... I3 Jurisdiction-consent must be in writing... . . 245

Review of existing judgment by same Court not competent 31I COURTS-NATIVE DIVORCE- Judgment-rescission of default... . • . . . • . . . 48

Jurisdiction of... . . . II3 Sec. 10 (I), Act No. 9 of 1929... liS CusTOMARY UNioNs- Dissolution of in Transvaal. . . 7

Failure of-recovery of lobolo... 383

Formalities determined by lex loci celebrationis....... 370

Repudiation by wife. . . 404

Union... I93 CUSTOMS- See " NATIVE CusToMs ".

D.

DAMAGES- Abduction... 128

Actual or implied damages or infringement of right must be proved... . • . . . 320

Assault. ... I2, 55, 319, 324, 389 Caused by animals.... . . I98 Death caused in fight... I85 Defences-retaliation in assault. . . I77 Defamation-see" DEFAMATION", Grass fire-negligence. . . 23

Joint and several liability. . . 45

Malicious prosecution. . . I30 Provocation. . . I2 Reduction of. . . I 0 Seduction-man related in prohibited degree. . . 44

Trespassing. . . ... . . I62 Unlawful killing ... 10, I4, 39, 333 Kraalhead-liability for damage caused by inmates of his kraal... 341

DEEDS- Cancellation on order of Native Commissioner's Court .. DEFAMATION- Action for... I7, 323 Breach of etiquette. . • . . . 4 7 In Natal... 39

Liability of kraalhead for words of lnyanga while temporarily engaged... 235

Malice... 46

Onus in... 25

Privilege ... 25, 46, 68, 77, 269 Publication... 68

Translation of words used... 2I8 Unmeant invitation or challenge.. . . • . . . 58 Use of word "Ungqingili" (sexual pervert)... I67

DEFAULT JUDGMENT- See" JUDGMENT", DEUCTS-

See" AssAULT"," DEFAMATION"," SEDUCTION".

DELIVERY-

PAGE

By word of mouth ... , . . . • . . . • • • . • . . . • 100

DISINHERISON- Of general heir... 95

DIVORCE- See" HusBAND AND WIFE", DocUMENTS- Not in one of official languages-admission ...•.... 346, 363 DOMICILE- Change of... 193

Domicile... 113

DONATIONS- Military allotments-parties acting in collusion to defraud State... 257

Remuneratory. . . 152

E. EsTATEs- Locus standi in .iudicio of native woman in actions regarding husband's estate... 144

Section 3 (2) G.N. 1664/29-Enquiries... . . . 243

EsTOPPEL- Principles.... . . • . . . 140

ETHULA CUSTOM. . . • . . • 309

EVIDENCE- Degree of proof-affiliation cases ... :... 95

Marriage register-admission of contents. . . 98

Presumptions. . . 20

Production of books. . . ... . . . 88

Recording of ... 7, 81, 101, 102. 138 Witnesses-credibility of. . . 162

ExcEPTIONS- In Native Commissioner's Court. ... ,... 144

Ruling on-matter for appeal not review... . . 355

EXECUTION- Warrant of... 13-

EXECUTOR- Native estate... 275

F. FIDEI COMMISSUM- Heirs... 121

FRAUD- Misrepresentation... 88

PAGE

G.

GIRLS-

Allotments of-see" NATIVIl CusTOM".

GRASS FIRE-

Negligence ... ·:... 23 H.

HEIR-

Affiliation. . . • . . . 85 General heir-disinherison. . . • . • . . . 95 See " UKUNGENA ".

HUSBAND AND WIFE-

Capacity of wife to contract ...•...•... Capacity of wife in actions re husband's estate ... . Divorce-claim for forfeiture of benefits ... . Divorce-on grounds of adultery ... . Marriage by civil rites following a customary union with another woman ... . Native customary unions-dissolution, Natal. ... . Native customary union-dissolution, Transvaal. ... . Nullity proceedings must be commenced by way of

summons ... ·.···· ... . Restitution order-condonation of non-service of ... .

I.

IMMOVABLE PROPERTY-

74 144 112 229 60,78 119 7 239 240

Purchase and sale-natives in Natal... 121 INTERPLEADER-

In Native Chief's Court... 36, 314 Onus of proof ... 40, 117, 331 Process in aid cannot be converted into interpleader action 19 INTERPRETATION-

Party... 54 lSONDHLo-

Arnount payable... 72 Use of estate property for maintenance... 155

J.

JUDGMENT-

Abandonment in Native Commissioner's Court.... . . I, 25 Default judgment: application for rescission... 29, 341 Delivery of-must be in open Court... 134 Ineffective-force of. . . 227 Must be definite... 20 JURISDICTION-

See under" CoURTS".

K.

KRAALHEAD-

Liability-damages caused by inmates of his kraal... 341 Lobolo advanced by kraalhead... 217 Ownership in lobolo... . . . • • . . . 36

L.

LANDS-

Allocation of, prior to Land Proclamation, 1931. . . 157 LATE NOTING OF APPEALS-

See under " PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE-Appeals ".

PAGE LoAN-

Debt of long standing.. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 43

LoBOLo-

Constructive delivery. . . 3 72 Delivery before marriage... . . 93 Lobolo paid for another woman during subsistence of

civil marriage-recovery... 391 Of illegitimate child... . . 3 43 Ownership in... 36, 331 Recovery-form of action, Transvaal.. . . 404 Recovery on failure of union. . . 383 Return of ... 60, 119, 307, 327, 360, 377 Set of lobolo advanced... 188 Whether loan or gift. ... 192, 213 Whether refundable by heir after death of recipient.. . . 249 Locus STANDI IN JuDicio-

Native women ... 118, 144, 398

LYING-IN EXPENSES-

Seduction case... 106 M.

MAINTENANCE-

Deceased's wife and children... 155 Married woman leaving husband's kraal to reside at a

kraal other than that of the dowry-holder... 272 Seduction cases. . . • . . . 106

MALICIOUS PROSECUTION-

Damages--essentials... 130

MARRIAGE BY CHRISTIAN RITES-

Custody of children. . . 87

MARRIAGE BY NATIVE CUSTOM-

Dissolution of, in Transvaal. ... . Dissolution in Natal. ... . Presumption of consent ... . Return of lobolo where customary union prohibited .... . Return oflobolo where husband also married by Christian rites ... .

MENTAL PATIENTS-

7,404 119 20 35, 119 60, 391

Action on behalf of mental patient by guardian. . . 253

METSHA-

Seduction---external connection... 149

MINORS-

Earnings of... 321

MisJOINDER-

Of parties. . . 68

MisREPRESENTATION-

Fraud... 88

MYIMBA-

Payment of. . . 93, 234 xii

N.

NATAL CODE OF NATIVE LAW- Proclamation No. I68 of I932-

PAGE

Section 26... - . - •• • • . . 32

28... .. . . .. . . 62

35... 32I 36... 37

47 (I) and (2)... 372

57 (3)... 2I I 59 (I) (a). . . . • . • . • . . . 20, 370 70... 99

78 to 83... 327

80...

360

83... 327

87... 34

92 (I) and (6)... . . . I90 92 (7)... I93 96(1)... 34

99... 97

I08 (2)... 366

II6... .. . . .. .. . . 249

I32 ... 40, 68, 70 I32 (3)... 2I9 I37 ... 234, 386 I4I (3) ... 237, 34I I46 (I)... 25I I47.. .. . . IOI I50 (3)... I06

I60...

⁴⁸

Code of Native Law (Natal) I878- Section 2I ... 2I3, 2I5

22...

I97 , 28... .. . . .. . . 97

Code of Native Law (Natal) I89I, Section I25... I97 Code of Native Law (Natal) I898... I93 NATIVE APPEAL COURT- See" CoURTS-NATIVE APPEAL". NATIVE CHIEF's CoURT- See" CoURTS-NATIVE CHIEFS". NATIVE COMMISSIONER'S COURT- See" CoURTS, NATIVE CoMMISSIONERS". NATIVE CUSTOMARY UNION- See "CusTOMARY UNioN" and " MARRIAGE BY NATIVE CUSTOM. NATIVE CUSTOMS- Affiliation-substitution... . • .. . • . • • . • • • . . . • .. • • • . 2II Allotments ...•...•.•..•••..•... 36, 93, I 7I Customary union- See" CusTOMARY UNioN". Ethuia.. .. . .• • . . . • • • • . . . • • . . . • . . . • • • . . . 309 lsondhlo... 72, I 55 Lobolo-

See " LoBoLo ".

Mvimba beast.. . . • . • • . . . • . . . • . . . • 93, 234 Metsha... I49 Ukungena-

See " UKUNGENA UNION , .

PAOE NATIVE DIVORCE CouRT-

See" CouRTS, NATIVE DIVoRCE".

NATIVE TRUST AND LAND Acr, 1936-

Section 11 . • • • • . . . . • • . . • . • • • . . . • • . • . • • • • • • • • • • • . . . . 2

NEGLIGENCE- In grass fires. . . . • . . . • • . . . 23

NGENA- See" UKUNGENA UNION". NOTICE OF APPEAL- See " APPEALS ". NQUTU BEAST •••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••• 302, 314

Q.

ONUS- In assault cases. . . 73

In defamation cases. . . 25

In interpleader actions ... 40, 117, 331 In sisa cases; re death of stock ...•. 169, 375 OWNERSHIP- Acquisition of by Native women, prior to Act 38 of 1927 61 P. PARTNERSHIPS- Action by partner against partnership. . . 186

PARTY- Misjoinder of. . . 68

Substitution of party in civil proceedings... . . . 57

PLEAS- On counterclaim ... . Recording of in Native cases ... . Rixa-plea of, cannot be taken first time on appeal .... . PLEDGE- 33 7, 102 58 Capacity of native wife.. . . 74

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE- Appeals- Amendment of notice of appeal. . . 157

Appeal on point of law-law involved to be stated in ' notice... 7

Application to have record returned to Court below 199, 219 Chief's Court-extension of time in which to note .... 318, 322 Condonation of late noting .... 1, 6, 40, 67, 73, 74, 81, 135, 137, 164, 266, 340, 372 Facts found proved and reasons... 167

Filing additional grounds of appeal. . . I, 157 From Native Chief's Court. ... Ill, 302, 395 From N.A.C. to A.D ... 78, 208, 358 Notice of appeal in N.A.C... . . . • . • 25

Notice of set-down-service... 16

Point taken first time on appeal.. . . 253

Service of copy of notice of appeal on respondent... 316 xiv

Costs-

Where tender made ... . Application for increased costs ...•

Copies of records should be legible ... . Default of parties ... . Documents not in one of official languages ... . Ejectment orders ...••...

Exceptions in N.C. Court. ... . Execution-form of warrants ... . Interpleader-

Actions ...•..•...

In Native Chief's Court. ... . Judgment-

PAGE

52,72 175 149 54 346, 363 264 144, 179 13

19,40 36

Abandonment of... . . . I, 25 Absolution-when granted... 318 Delivery of... 91, 134 Definite-must be... 20 Reasons for-application for. . . 138 Rescission of default judgment. ... 29, 54, 173, 182 Rescission of-in N. Divorce Court... 48 Rescission of default judgment in Native Appeal Court 175, 182 Locus standi in judicio-divorced woman... 398 Misjoinder of parties... . . . 68 Parties-

~f!jJ1~J~~::::: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Substitution of, in Civil cases ... . Plea-

In Native Commissioner's Court. ... . Recording of in Native cases ... . Recording of in counterclaim ... . Res judicata ... ... . Rixa ... . Point not canvassed in Court below ...•...•.

Proceedings-application to set aside ... . Process in aid ... . Records-amendment of ... . Remittal of case for trial on alternative claim ... . Review of proceedings ... . Request for judgment on hypothetical case ... . Summons-

87 68 57

179, 391 7, 102 33 135, 140 58 193 367 19 9 173 18, 355 185

Amendment of. . . 57 Defective.. . . 207 Service of. . . 20 Substitution of appellant's representative where appellant

has died since judgment. . . 206 System of Law under which case tried ... 207, 332, 338, 347, 386 Tort feasor must be cited as party. . . 325 Validity of document attacked by party for whom attorney

drew up document.. . . 220 Where no right of plaintiff infringed, no action lies. . . 225 Witnesses-

Recalling of. . . 9 Absence on military service. . . 18 PREJUDICE-

Review three years after judgment. . . 18

XV

PAGR PREICRIPTION-

,\cquisitive... 164

PJtESUMPTIONS-

Of legal customary union. . . . . .. 20

PIUVIES-

Meaning of. . . • . . . 140

PRIVILEGE-

In defamation cases... 25

PROCESS IN Am-

Cannot be converted into interpleader action... 19 PROVOCATION-

In assault cases. . . • . . . . 12

PURCHASE AND SALE-

Instalments paid through Post Office... 215 Immovable property by Native in Natal... 121 Property belonging to another. . . 311 Whether Post Office is agent or not... . . . 215

R.

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT-

Application for... . . . 138

RECONCIUATION-

Native Customary Unions, Natal... 119 RECORDS OF PROCEEDINGS-

Amendment of. . . 9 REGISTRATION OF DEEDS-

Native Commissioner's Court jurisdiction to order cancellation of title deed ... .

RESCISSION OF DEFAULT JUDGMENT-

Application for.. . . 29 RES JUDICATA-

Plea of ... 135, 140

REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS-

Application for... 18, 335 RIXA-

Plea of-taken first time on appeal... 58

RULES-

See " CoURTS".

s.

SALE-

Contract of-immovable property, in Natal.. . . 121 Contract of-subject matter must be ascertained... 16

SEDUCTION-

Damages ... 106, 128 Damages where man related to girl... 44 External connection. . . 149 Proof of... 86

xvi

PAGE"

SISA-

Contract of... . . . 104 Death and losses of sisa stock ... 169, 375 Lobolo delivered before marriage is sisa... 93 STAMPING OF PROCESS-

Not valid unless stamped as required... 137 STATUTES-

Union-

Act No. 38 of 1927-

See" ADMINISTRATION AcT, NATIVES".

Act No. 32 of 1944-section 32... 71 Natal-

Natal Code of Native Law-

See" NATAL CoDE OF NATIVE LAW".

Law No. 12 of 1884... 121 Law No. 46 of 1887-sec. 11... 63·

Proclamations-

No. 123 of 1931, Sec. 3 (3)... 78 STOCK THEFT-

Claim for compensation when compensatory fine imposed SUCCESSION-

Estate of Chief. ... . House property ... . Immovables ...•... Native estates ... . Native women ... .

See " UKUNGENA " and " HEIR ".

SUMMONS-

131

378- 366, 378 366.

275 121

Amendment of, in N.C. Court... . . . 57 Drawing up by Clerk of Court... 19·

Service of. . . 22.

T.

TENDER-

Effect on costs... 52, 72 TORT FEASOR-

Must be cited as party... . . . 325 TRESPASS-

Damages for-cultivated field... 162

u.

UKUNGENA-

Property in house-heir ... . Ukungena union ... .

W.

WIFE-

52, 366·

171

Actions by-re husband's estate... 144- Capacity to contract. ... 74, 118, 121 Citing of-claim for custody of children... 326 Maintenance of deceased's wife... 155 Repudiation of customary union by.. . . 404-

8001-2

xvii

..

PAGE WITNESSES-

Absence on military service... 18 Truthfulness of-<:orroboration in adultery cases... 230 Recalling of. . . 9

WOMEN-

Capacity to contract. ... 74, 118, 121, 150 Capacity-actions re late husband's estate.. . . 144 Locus standi-divorced woman. . . 398 Native women-acquisition of ownership. . . 61

W RITS-

Of execution-wrong form used. . . 13

.xviii

ERRATA.

1. Page 308: Line 48-

For "Mpanza v. Zulu, 1947, N.A.C. (T. & '8.) 65" read

"Mpanza v. Zulu, 1947, N.A.C. (T. & N.) 7~ ".

2. Page 309: Line 15-

For "Mpanza v. Zulu, 1947, N.A.C.. (T. & N.) 65 ", read

"Mpanza v. Zulu, 1947, N.A.C. (T. & N.) 75 ".

3. Page 321: in the headnote-

" Kuzwayo v. Khuluse " substit,ute the word " minor " for miner".

4. Page 322: Line IS-

For" Mkwanazi v. Zul•.J, 1938 (N.A.C.) (T. & N.) 285" read

"Mkwanazi v. Zulu, 1938 (N.A.C.) (T. & N.) 258 ".

5. Page 352: Cases referNd to-

For" Nqanoyi v. Njombeni 1930, N.A.C. (C. & 0.)" read

"Nqanoyi v. N.iombeni, 1930, N.A.C. (C. & 0.) 13 ".

6. Page 354, Line 42 and Page 355, Line 19-

For "Matebula v. Sitole, 1943 N.A.C. (T. & N.) 58", read

"Matebula v. Sitole, 1943 N.A.C. (T. & N.) 84 ".

7. Page 361, lines :SO and 51 and Page 362, last two lines-

Delete "Case No. 63/1951 (not yet reported) and substitute

"P. 336 ".

8. Page 362, Line.s 17 and 18 and Page 363, lines 5 and 6- Delete "Case No. 14/1951 (not yet reported)" and substitute

"P. 316 ".

·9. Page 365, Lines 46 and 62-

Substitute "Case No. 54/1951 "by P. 346.

xix

f',

G.f' .• S.S872-l!HS-9-500.

---

I

DECISIONS

OF THE

NATIVE APPEAL COURT

(North-Eastern Division)

Quarter ending 30th Sept., 1948

.. ' ~

Volume I

")•. --- 3 _ 1 -(_c;_8) _

D N AC _ L -f-+_ (Part ~)

-- -r- ·

PRINTED IN THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, PRETORIA

\

CASE No. 1 OF 1948.

JACKSON MOHLOLA (Appellant) v. BENJAMIN MAPHOTO (Respondent).

(N.A.C. Case No. 8611148.)

PRETORIA: Monday, 14th June, 1948: Before Steenkamp, President, Liefeldt and King, 1'\'Iembers of the 'Court (North-Eastern Division).

Practice and Procedure- Condonation of late ,appeal-Postponement to abandon judgment.

Held: After condonation for late noting of appeal is granted, respondent is entitled to postponement of the appeal to enable him to consider abandoning the judgment.

Appeal from the Court of the Native Commissioner, Bochem.

Steenkamp, President (delivering the judgment of the Court):-

Judgment was granted on 21st October, 1947, against the plaintiff (applicant), but the Notice of Appeal, dated 1st April, 1948, was only received by the Clerk of Court on 30th April, 1948.

Plaintiff had no attorney in the Court below and application is now made for condonation of the late noting of appeal. In the supporting affidavit appellant states that on 30th October, 1947, he consulted a firm of Attorneys at Pietersburg (which is over 50 miles distant from Bochem where the case was tried) and he was advised that the matter would be discussed with the Native Commissioner and the advisability of noting an appeal would then be considered. Thereafter he con- sulted the firm of Attorneys on two more occasions but nothing was done and on 9th March, 1948. he consulted another firm of Attorneys with the result that an appeal has now been noted.

Appellant could have noted an appeal in person and the fact that he was not aware that an appeal had to be noted within any prescribed period is unacceptable.

There is, however, a reasonable prospect of appellant succeeding in the appeal and for this reason alone indulgence should be granted.

The application for condonation is accordingly granted and the applicant is ordered to pay costs.

Normally, after condonation is granted, the appellant is called upon to prosecute the appeal on the merits but in this case Counsel for respondent has intimated to the Court that if the indulgence is granted he intends abandoning the judgment.

There was no necessity to abandon the judgment previously for the reason, as pointed out by Counsel, that there is no appeal for consideration by this Court until such time as condonation has been granted.

To afford respondent an opportunity of abandoning the judgment formally in terms of rule 7 of the Native Appeal Court Rules, should he still so desire, hearing of the appeal on the merits is postponed to the next session of this Court, i.e. to the 14th September, 1948.

For Appellant: Mr. Arons of Pretoria.

For Respondent: Mr. Jepson of Pretoria.

CASE No. 2 OF 1948.

FA YIBE MZOBE AND SIDUMU NGCOBO (Appellants) v. SHULENI TUSHINI AND OTHERS (Respondents).

(N.A.C. Case No. 35

I

1

I

1948.)

DuRBAN: Monday, 26th April, 1948. Before Steenkamp, President, Hobson and Craig, Members of the Court (North-Eastern Division).

Judgment delivered on 9

I

6

I

1948.

Practice and Procedure-Appeal lodged not less than 28 days before commencement of session-Must be prosecuted m such session. Additional grounds of appeal cannot be filed after expiry of 21 days. Jurisdiction of Native Commissioners' Courts.

Mercantile Law-Deeds Registry Act, 1937-Native Commissioners' Courls uuve

2

Held:

(1) That where the Clerk of Court has delayed in forwarding the records to the Registrar in time for the ensuing session, permission must be granted to prosecute the appeal at the following session of the Native Appeal Court.

(2) That additional grounds of appeal cannot be filed after the expiry of 21 days especially as such grounds were not canvassed in the Court below.

(3) That a Native Commissioner's Court has no jurisdiction to order the cancellation of a title deed for the occupation of immovable property in view of sections 6 and 20 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937.

Appeal from the Court of the Native Commissioner, Port Shepstone.

Steenkamp, President (delivering the judgment of the Court):-

Application is filed for leave to prosecute the appeal during the present session.

The appeal was noted on 9th December, 1947, and should have been prosecuted during the session which commenced at Durban on 26th January, 1948, or applica- tion made to this Court for a postponement to the next session. On reference to the original record it is found that the Clerk of the Court only notified the Registrar on the 20th January, 1948, that an appeal had been noted. There is no indication of the date the Registrar received the notice of appeal but on 30th January, 1948, i.e. after the January, 1948, session had been concluded, the Clerk of the Court was advised that the appeal had been set down for hearing on the 26th April, 1948.

The Clerk of the Court did not comply with the provisions of Rule 16 (1) of the Native Commissioner's Court Rules, which reads as follows:-

"Upon an appeal being noted the Clerk of the Native Commissioner's Court shall immediately notify the Registrar of the Native Appeal Court . . "

If this provision had been carried out the Registrar would have had ample time to set the case down for the January session and there can be no doubt that the Clerk of Court in delaying to notify the Registrar, is responsible for the appeal not having been prosecuted as required by the Rules.

Counsel for respondent has objected to the application being granted, but, this Court in view of the fact that neither the appellant nor his representative is responsible for the dilatoriness of the Clerk of Court, hereby orders that the appeal be prosecuted during this session.

Attorneys for appellant have filed additional grounds of appeal, dated 9th March, 1948. In Limine Counsel for respondent objected to these additional grounds and in his argument he states these should have been raised in the Court below.

Section 22 of the Native Appeal Court rules reads as follows:-

" In the hearing of an appeal the parties shall be limited to the grounds stated in the notice of appeal .. . "

The only exception is where the appellant is not represented by a legal practi- tioner and was not so represented in the Court below.

In the case of Nzimande v. Funeka, 1938 N.A.C. (T. and N.) 82, this Court in similar circumstances refused to allow additional grounds of appeal and in the refusal remarked to the effect that no doubt if these additional grounds had been embodied in the original notice of appeal the Native Commissioner would have been in a position to deal with them in his reasons for judgment. Moreover in the present case it is observed that the additional grounds are in effect a plea that should have been raised as an issue in the Court below. In these circumstances the application to file the additional grounds of appeal is refused.

Before argument is commenced this Court mero motu raised the following legal

issues:- ·

(1) Whether the Native Commissioner had jurisdiction to try the case especially in view of sections 6 and 33 of the Deeds Registries Act, No. 47 of 1937.

(2) Whether defendant No. 2 could consent to judgment on behalf of a minor whose interest in immovable property is affected.

(3) Whether by virtue of section 11 of Act No. 18 of 1936 (Native Trust and Land Act), a Native Commissioner can give an unqualified judg- rnent.

Both Counsel, therefore, intimated to the Court that they are not in a position to argue these legal issues at present and on their suggestion argument is postponed for two days.

28th April, 1948.

On resumption of the hearing of the appeal both Counsel are directed to argue on the first legal issue raised by the Court, viz., whether the Native Commissioner had jurisdiction to try the case especially in view of sections 6 and 33 of the Deeds Registries Act, No. 47 of 1937. It is intimated that if this Court holds the view that the Native Commissioner had no jurisdiction then the grounds of appeal and the other legal issues would fall away.

Counsel for respondent urged that as the Registrar of Deeds was not cited as a party in the proceedings, the question of jurisdiction does not arise and a judgment on the merits in favour of the respondents would as between the parties be a valid one and when the Title Deeds are submitted to the Registrar for registra- tion, this officer may or may not act on the judgment of the Court. To carry this contention to its logical conclusion would mean that the Registrar may veto a judgment of the Native Commissioner's Court. Such a state of affairs could never have been contemplated by the legislature. It is a well grounded principle in our legal structure that a judgment should not be an empty shell and a successful litigant is entitled to expect that a judgment in his favour will be carried out and such a judgment may only be treated with impunity if it is found that the Court granting the judgment had no jurisdiction. It, therefore, becomes the duty of a Court when litigation is commenced before it to see whether or not it has jurisdic·

tion.

According to the Deed of Grant filed of record it would appear that in terms of a Proclamation, dated 23rd September, 1889, two Natives by the name of Unyovane and Mantshi purchased a certain piece of land called "Roselands" in extent 428 acres, 1 rood and 38 perches, for the sum of £321. 7s. 4d.

On 2nd December, 1926, this piece of ground was granted, ceded and trans- ferred by the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa in freehold to and on behalf of the two purchasers mentioned. This Deed of Grant was signed by the Secretary for Lands and registered in the office of Registrar of Deeds (Province of Natal), on lOth December, 1926. By that time the two original purchasers were both dead. The position at the present moment is tnat Unyovane's son and heir Mposwa is also dead and his heir Fayibe defendant No. 1 (Appellant) succeeded to the property as heir. Mantshi's son and grandson are both dead and defendant No. 2, Zwelinyani, a minor, is heir to his great grandfather's portion of the farm Roselands.

Subsequently on the 24th February, 1943, the undivided half share of Unyovane was transferred to his son Mposwa and from Mposwa to Fayjl]e Mzobe, the appellant. The undivided half share which belonged to the late Mantshi and so registered in his name, has not yet been transferred to his heirs in succession but it is not disputed that Zwelinyane (defendant No. 2)· a minor, is the rightful heir to succeed to the property.

It is now alleged in the statement of claim attached to the summons that not- withstanding the fact that according to the Title Deeds the late Mantshi and the late Unyovane were the true owners of the property in undivided shares, the respondents are entitled to have the farm transferred into their joint names and the names of the two defendants by virtue uf the fact that the farm was purchased jointly either by the respondents or their fathers and the forbears of the defen- dants:-

In the prayer the respondents claim an order declaring-

(a) that the said farm be transferred into the names of defendants and plaintiffs who shall hold same in trust for the benefit of themselves and plaintiffs together with their descendants;

(b) that the defendants be ordered to sign all documents necessary to pass and effect registration of such transfer.

(c) alternatively that the Messenger of Court, Port Shepstone, be authorised to execute all documents required in terms of the Deeds Registries Act, No. 47 of 1937, to effect registration of transfer as aforesaid.

The order sought for is in effect a declaration for the cancellation of the original Deed of Grant and subsequent deed of transfer and for substituted docu·

ments to be issued embodying the names of the respondents as joint owners.

As will appear hereunder it is necessary to quote section 45 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1918, which reads as follows:-

" Save as is specially provided in this Act or in any other Jaw, no deed of grant, deed of transfer or certificate of title registered in a deeds registry an order of the Court."

4

The Act of 1918 was repealed by Act No. 47 of 1937, and section 45 of the former Act was re-enacted with modification by section 6 of the last-named Act.

This section reads as follows:-

" Save as is otherwise provided in this Act or in any other law, no registered deed of grant, deed of transfer, certificate of title or other deed conferring or conveying title to land or any real right in land other than a mortgage bond and no cession of any registered bond not made as security, shall be cancelled by a Registrar except upon an Order of Court."

In both Acts " Court " or " the Court " is defined to mean the Provincial or Local Division of the Supreme Court having jurisdiction or any judge thereof.

This Court does not overlook the fact that according to section 10 of the Native Administration Act, No. 38 of 1927, a Native Commissioner's Court has jurisdiction in all civil causes and matters between Native and Native. There are certain exceptions but the present case does not fall within the ambit of any of those mentioned. It would appear at first blush that a Native Commissioner has unrestricted jurisdiction apart from the five exceptions if the Native Administration Act is read by itself, but I hold the view that where certain powers are exclusively granted to the Supreme Court by an Act of Parliament then the Native Administra- tion Act concerning jurisdiction must be read subject to what is laid down in any other law affecting not only Europeans but also Natives.

Jurisdiction is conferred on a Magistrate's Court by section 29 of Act No. 32 of 1944. This section reads as follows:-

" Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Court, in respect of causes of action shall have jurisdiction;-

(a) in actions in which is claimed the delivery or transfer of any property, movable or immovable, not exceeding £200 in value;

(h), (c) and (d)

(e) in actions other than those already in this section mentioned, where the claim or the value of the matter in dispute does not exceed £200 ".

I have not been able to find any decided cases on paragraph (a). It would appear that immovable property not exceeding £200 in value registered in the name of a person may be claimed by another and if he obtains judgment in an Inferior Court the Registrar of Deeds is bound to cancel the title deed and transfer the property into the name of the successful litigant; yet section six of the Deeds Registries Act limits the Registrar to do so only on an order from the Supreme Court.

Paragraph (e) confers jurisdiction on a Magistrate's Court irrespective of the class of action so long as the amount or value of claim does not exceed £200.

There are certain exceptions laid down in section 46 of the Magistrate's Court Act but they are inapplicable in so far as the facts in the present action are concerned.

Paragraph (e) already referred· to can reasonably be compared with section 10 (1) of the Native Administration Act but wi1h this distinction that in the latter the action need not be limited to any amount.

Notwithstanding paragraph (e) the Court held in the case of Gluckman v.

Jagger & Co., 1929 C.P.O. 44, that since there is a procedure under which a wrong decision of the Master in insolvency matters can be set aside, a Magistrate's Cour~

cannot deal with a claim based on the ground that such a decision was erroneous;

nor does the defendant's failure to object to the jurisdiction confer such jurisdiction.

Section 111 (1) of the Insolvency Act, No. 24 of 1936, is the relevant provision by which an aggrieved person may apply to the Court for an order to set aside the Master's decision. '' Court " is defined to mean the Supreme Court.

In the case of Steenkamp v. the Master & Steenkamp C.P.D., 8 P.H. F.62, it was decided that a Magistrate's Court has no jurisdiction to correct a decision of the Master under section 68 of Act No. 24 of 1913 (Administration of Estates).

owing to the definition of " Court " which is defined in section 2 of the Act as the Supreme Court.

These two cases referred to go to prove that notwithstanding explicit language conferring jurisdiction on an Inferior Court, yet, if in some other Enactment it is mentioned that only the Supreme Court can make an order, the latter Court is the only tribunal to deal with the matter.

In the case of Ntsutwane Booi v. Mhlapo, 1934 N.A.C. (C.O.) 35, the plaintiff claimed the' cancellation of the transfer of a certain Lot from Noneyi Booi to the defendant. The Court intimated that the point to be decided in that case is whether a Court of a Native Commissioner has notwithstanding its wide powers, jurisdic- tion to order the cancellation of a transfer of a lot held in a surveyed location.

The point was fully considered and the Court came to the conclusion that only a

5

Court of competent jurisdiction, viz., the Supreme Court can grant an <:>rdcr requiring the Registrar to cancel a transfer of 1mmovable property. In that JUdg- ment Barry (President) stated:-

" If the judgment involved an order upon the parties the Court of

Native Commissioner might be deemed to have jurisdiction but even in such an event any order given by such a Court would be subject to the administrative authorities. But in this case the implications are of a wider character and if the Court of Native Commissioner had adjudicated upon the claim for cancellation it would have amounted to an order upon the Registrar

or

Deeds to cancel a deed and to transfer the lot to some person other than the existing transferee."

In a later case by the same Court decided in 1945 [Zwartbooi v. Zwartbooi.

1945 N.A.C. (C.O.) 46], a distinction is drawn between a claim where one party calls on the other for a declaratory order in respect of the ownership of fixed property already registered in the name of the defendant and a claim praying for the cancellation of a transfer of immovable property. It was decided that where the claim is for the cancellation of a title deed the Court of the Native Commis- sioner has no jurisdiction but if a declaratory order of rights is sought then such Court has jurisdiction.

I find it difficult to draw a distinction between the two cases and cannot agree that a Native Commissioner's Court shall have jurisdiction in the one and not in the other. The words used in a prayer are a matter of choice but the ultimate object in each and every case is that the name of the transferee in the title deed should be sub~tituted by the name of the plaintiff. In other words the deed of transfer should be cancelled and one in favour of the plaintiff issued. To draw a distinction or to attempt to do so is only begging the question and if an order is made that the plaintiff is entitled to the property in question the Registrar may still (and in accordance with Section 6 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, which is his Charter, he has no option) refuse to act on the order made by a Court other than the Supreme Court. The issue has then reached a deadlock and as already remarked it could never have been contemplated by the legislature that a judgment made by a Court of bw could be vetoed or disregarded by the execu- tive authorities. It therefore follows that a Court either has or has no jurisdiction and if it has jurisdiction to decide the issue between litigants then the administrative or executive authorities may not question the validity of a judgment and are bound to subscribe thereto and lend support in transferring the property in favour of the party in whose favour the Court granted judgment.

In the case of Mpendukane 1'. 1\fpendukane, 1946 N.A.C. (C.O.) 43, the Court authorised the Chief Magistrate of the Transkeian Territories who is the Registrar of Deeds in that area and is bound by Act No. 45 of 1937, to rescind and strike out the allotment of a certain registered allotment in favour of the defendant.

One of the members of the Court (Cockcroft M) while agreeing with the judgment delivered on appeal remarks as follows:-

" While I agree that this Court is entitled to give the judgment it has given, in my opinion it is an empty shell as it is not binding on the Chief Magistrate in his capacity as Registrar of Deeds, because he is not a party to the action and indeed could not have been made a party to the action, having regard to the definition of "Native" in the Native Administration Act.

Even if he considers himself bound, in my opinion, he cannot legally act thereon. because section 6 of the Deeds Registries Act (No. 47 of 1937), provides that he is not entitled to cancel a registered Deed of Grant or other deed conferring title to land without an order of Court. And

" Court " in that Act is defined as .. the provincial or local division of the Supreme Court, having jurisdiction or any judge thereof."

These remarks can be interpreted as a partial dissention from the judgment of the majority of the Court. I agree with this dictum by the Member of the Court except that I hold the view that no Court of Law may give a judgment in favour of a party and yet hold that the executive authorities are not bound to give effect to that judgment. If the executive authorities are in doubt as to the correct per.so':l ~ntitled to o~tain titl~ to ground, then o~ly a Cour.t of Law of competent }Urtsd1ct10n m