Court orders - Fake or not ?

So your local sheriff pitches up at your door with a COURT ORDER.  Is it genuine or not? Here is the Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the Truth:

2 February 2017

Media Statement
FRAUDULENT COURT ORDERS

The Office of the Chief Justice has noted with concern media reports alleging the use of fraudulent eviction orders in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. We also note that the use of fraudulent court orders extends beyond just eviction orders and that court orders have been falsified to achieve many other criminal ends. When confronted with an alleged court order, members of the public are urged always to verify its authenticity with the court from which it is allegedly issued. Should any individual be unsure about the legitimacy of any court order they should contact the Chief Registrar or Registrar’s office of the particular court where the order is said to have been issued.
However, there are a number of things that an individual can look out for that can help ascertain the authenticity of a court order.
  The order will have the emblem of the office of the Chief Justice affixed to the top of it, older orders will have the Coat of Arms emblem affixed to it;  ( A PICTURE OF THE EMBLEM IS AT THE TOP OF THIS POST
  It will state in which Division the order was made e.g. “In the High Court of South Africa, North West Division, Mafikeng”;
 It will have the date it was issued;  It will state the name of the Judge as per the following example: “Before the Honourable Mr. Justice Mamogale”;
 It will state the names of the Plaintiff and Defendant
 It will state the order given;
 The date stamp of the court will be affixed;
 The order will be signed by the Registrar; and
 The court seal will be affixed to the order.

The Office of the Chief Justice is exploring a number of further options aimed at improving the security of court orders. These will be communicated once implemented. If it is determined that the court order in an individual’s possession is not a legitimate, the fraudulent court order must be reported to the Registrar’s office at the court of the issue and the matter must be reported to the nearest South African Police Service station for further investigation. It is a criminal offense for anyone to issue a document that purports to be a court order if it was not issued at court by a judge.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Mr Nathi Mncube
Chief Director: Court Administration Spokesperson of the RSA Judiciary
T: 0104932500 C: 0848148364 E:
NMncube@judiciary.org.za
Ends. Issued by the Office of the Chief Justice