MAY/JUNE EXAM 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 29 MAY 2025
, LPL4802
May/June Exam Portfolio 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 29 May 2025
Law of Damages
Question 1 [15 Marks]
Critically discuss Ngubane v RAF 2022 (5) SA 231 (GJ), a copy of which is
provided for your reference. Your answer must clearly demonstrate that you have
read and understood the case.
1. Facts of the Case (2 Marks)
Mr. Simphiwe Bongayiphi Ngubane was involved in a motor vehicle accident on 27
February 2019, where he was struck by a VW Polo. He sustained injuries due to the
negligence of another driver. Subsequently, he initiated legal proceedings against the
Road Accident Fund (RAF) to claim compensation for his injuries. Unfortunately, Mr.
Ngubane passed away on 25 February 2021, before the case reached the stage known
as litis contestatio. Following his death, the executor of his estate was substituted as the
plaintiff in the ongoing legal proceedings (Ngubane v Road Accident Fund, 2022).
2. Legal Question (1 Mark)
The central legal issue was whether a claim for general damages (such as pain and
suffering) could be transferred to the deceased's estate when the plaintiff dies before
litis contestatio—the point in legal proceedings where pleadings are closed and the
issues are clearly defined.