Time periods to institute claims against the Minister of Police are regulated by the Prescription Act, which means that claims have to be instituted within three years of the cause of action, unless there is an exception, e.g. the claimant being a minor.

A claimant who wishes to proceed with a claim against an organ of state (e. g. the Minister of Police) must give notice within 6 months from the date of the claim arising, setting out the facts and any particulars of the incident which is within the knowledge of the claimant.

An application for condonation could be brought to court should the matter not have prescribed, good cause exists for the failure by the claimant to comply with the notice requirements and if the organ of state was not unreasonably prejudiced by the failure of the notice requirements.

1. General damages for any impairment (i. e. pain and suffering); 2. Loss of earnings; 3. Past and future medical expenses; 4. Loss of support for the dependants. 5. Constitutional damages; 6. Assault; 7. Unlawful detainment; 8. Unlawful arrest; 9. Bodily harm.