Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act 17 of 2011)

Parliament has enacted the Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act 17 of 2011), to
protect persons against harassment. The Act aims to provide a remedy in the form of a
protection which would prohibit a person from harassing another person. If the harasser
breaches a protection order he or she commits an offence which is punishable with a
fine or a period of imprisonment.

What is harassment?
Harassment is where one person engages in any unreasonable conduct which causes
mental, psychological, physical or economic harm to another person.

What can you do when you are the victim of harassment?

You can apply for a protection order against the person who is harassing you at a
magistrates court. In addition to the application for a protection order you may also lodge
a criminal complaint against the harasser if the harassing conduct amounts to an offence.