Joe assaulted his brother Richard. Richard suffered some bad wounds and he had to spend 3 days in hospital recovering. When he leaves hospital, he finds that he has lost his job. He is also told that his account at the hospital is R1 000 for medical fees.

Richard sues his brother in the civil court for an amount of R9 000, which includes medical fees, lost wages, and pain and suffering. He wins his case in court and the court orders Joe to pay the amount claimed by Richard plus all Richard’s legal costs.

Joe just ignores the court order and tells Richard that he refuses to pay because it was all Richard’s fault in any case.

What Does the Law Say?

The court has already decided that Joe owes Richard the money. Because Joe refuses to pay, Richard will have to spend more time and money on an attorney trying to get his money back.

What Can He Do?

Richard will have to go back to his attorney.

The attorney will apply for a Warrant of Execution on behalf of Richard.

A Sheriff of the Court will then go to Joe’s house and take some of his property. The Sheriff will sell the property and pay Richard.(See: Enforcing a civil judgment)