In the media
The record
Cases we have run, and comment the press has asked us for. Two different things, kept apart.
Matters we have acted in
Matters of public record — heard in open court and reported in the press.
Every matter turns on its own facts. What happened in one case is a record of that case, not a prediction about yours.
Charges withdrawn — R14.9 million precious stones matter
2026
Peter Jay acted for businessman Etienne van der Walt, who was charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud in connection with an incident at premises in Killarney, Johannesburg in February 2023. Mr van der Walt spent ten days in custody. Following representations made to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the State withdrew all charges against him in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 16 July 2026. Two co-accused, both serving or former metro police officers, remained before the court. Peter Jay told the court: “The charges against my client have been withdrawn. We were successful in the representations that we made.”
Coverage
Bail granted — metro police officer charged with murder
2017
Peter Jay acted for a Tshwane metro police constable charged with murder following a shooting near the Gautrain station in Hatfield. Bail was granted in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court at R5 000 with conditions, the State not opposing it. Peter Jay indicated at the time that his client would plead not guilty and challenge the State’s case.
Coverage
International cyber-fraud prosecution — nine accused
2014
Peter Jay acted for all nine accused who appeared in Pretoria in 2014 as part of a multi-country cyber-fraud investigation that produced arrests in South Africa, the United States and Canada. The allegations included wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft and money laundering, said to involve stolen information used to obtain money and goods. Extradition to the United States was raised as a possibility during the proceedings.
Coverage
The Henning murder matter
2012
Coverage
Civil claim against the police
2009
Coverage
Theft charges — a wholly suspended custodial sentence
2009
Peter Jay acted for a man facing three counts of theft in the Hatfield Community Court. On conviction the court imposed a fine per count with imprisonment as the alternative, and suspended the custodial portion in full for five years. The magistrate described the sentence as a second chance.
Coverage
- IOL ↗
- IOL
A young accused — diversion sought rather than trial
2007
Peter Jay acted for an eighteen-year-old charged in the Pretoria district court with cruelty to animals and possession of dagga. Rather than run the matter as an ordinary prosecution, the defence sought a diversion programme, and the case was postponed for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide that application.
Coverage
- IOL ↗
- IOL
Drug prosecution — the Calitz matter
Coverage
- IOL
- IOL
- IOL
Drunk-driving prosecutions
Coverage
- Rapport
Drug charges — a former captive of Somali pirates
Coverage
- IOL
'The Debt Collector' in court
Coverage
- Times Live
Legal commentary
Peter Jay is regularly asked by South African and international media to explain points of criminal law. In these matters he acted for no party and represented no one — he was quoted as an independent expert.
Leaked video throws Oscar a lifeline
IOL · 2014
Quoted on whether the leaked reenactment footage warranted a review, and on the State’s option to reopen its case.
Read the article ↗'State to portray Oscar as trigger-happy'
IOL · 2014
Independent legal comment on the State’s likely approach at trial.
Leaked Pistorius footage could change the game
now.co.za · 2014
Independent legal comment on the evidentiary weight of the leaked footage.