Criminal Record Expungement Services Proprietary Limited (CRES) is a private, South African incorporated company. We are a dedicated legal consultancy focused on helping individuals restore their reputations and unlock new employment and travel opportunities.
CRES is a private entity. We wish to be entirely transparent with our clients and regulatory bodies:
We are NOT the South African Police Service (SAPS).
We are NOT the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ).
We are NOT a government agency or affiliated with any state department.
We do not have the authority to grant expungements; that power rests solely with the Director-General of the Department of Justice.
The services provided by CRES are strictly administrative and facilitative in nature. We act as your private agent to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles of the South African legal system. Our role is to ensure that your application is prepared accurately, lodged correctly, and followed up on persistently.
Our facilitation includes:
Assessment: Reviewing your eligibility under the Judicial Matters Amendment Act, 2023.
Preparation: Completing the complex administrative forms required by the Criminal Record Centre.
Logistics: Handling the secure delivery of original fingerprints and documentation to the relevant authorities.
Follow-up: Conducting personal enquiries at government offices to track the status of your "Fresh Start" application.
While individuals can apply for expungement directly through the Department of Justice at no cost (excluding police clearance fees), many find the administrative process time-consuming and difficult to navigate. CRES provides a premium, paid service for those who require professional management, expert oversight by a practicing attorney, and peace of mind that their application is being handled with the highest level of diligence.