Can I apply for a court order

Hi Benita,

To get those telephone recordings from Vox, you need to act quickly. Most service providers only keep recordings for a limited period—often between 90 days and 6 months—so time is important.

Here is what you should do, step by step.

1. Quick Start (POPIA Request)

Because you are requesting records of your own conversations, you have a right to them under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). You usually do not need a court order for this first step.

Action: Email the Vox Information Officer immediately.

Information Officer: Jacques du Toit
Email: InformationOfficer@voxtelecom.co.za

Suggested wording:

I am requesting access to my personal information (voice recordings) in terms of Section 23 of POPIA. I am the account holder/participant for [Your Number] and I require the recordings for the period [Insert Dates].

2. Formal Request (PAIA Form C)

If Vox asks you to follow their formal PAIA process, you will need to complete Form C – Request for Access to Record of Private Body.

Vox is legally required to respond within 30 days.

Steps:

Download Form C: Request for Access to Record of Private Body from the Information Regulator website or Vox’s website.

Complete the form with your details and the information you are requesting.

Email the completed form to: InformationOfficer@voxtelecom.co.za

Fees:
Since you are requesting your own personal information, you are usually exempt from the request fee, although they may charge a small fee for copying or retrieval if the request is very large.

3. If They Refuse: Subpoena

If Vox ignores the request or refuses to release the recordings, the next step is a Subpoena Duces Tecum, which is a court order requiring them to provide the records.

If you have a lawyer:
Your attorney can file this through the Court Online system.

If you do not have a lawyer:

Go to your local Magistrate’s Court.

Speak to the Clerk of the Court.

Tell them you need to issue a subpoena for records related to a legal matter.

Once the clerk stamps the subpoena, it must be served by the Sheriff of the Court to Vox.

Vox Head Office:
Block D, Rutherford Estate
1 Scott Street, Waverley
Johannesburg, 2090

Summary

Step 1 – Email Request
Send a POPIA request to the Vox Information Officer.
Cost: Free

Step 2 – PAIA Form C
Submit the formal request if they ask you to follow the official process.
Cost: Usually free

Step 3 – Subpoena
Use this option only if they refuse or ignore the request.
Cost: Sheriff service fees may apply