Criminal Defence — Cape Town
About André Kirsten
Specialist criminal defence attorney with roots on both sides of South Africa's justice system.
29+ years. Two sides of justice.
André Kirsten holds an LLB from the University of the Free State (1996) and completed his articles in the Northern Cape in 1997. He joined the National Prosecuting Authority as a prosecutor in 1998, serving both district and regional courts in the Eastern Free State — responsible for overseeing the investigational activities of two detective branches.
In 2004 he transferred to Bellville Court, prosecuting in both district and regional courts until his resignation in 2005 — at which point he joined Legal Aid SA's Cape Town Justice Centre as a defence attorney.
That prosecutorial experience is now your most powerful asset.
André spent 10 years at Legal Aid SA, touring Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Malmesbury, and Bellville Justice Centre. Legal Aid practitioners represent the majority of accused persons in the court system — as a result he dealt with hundreds of trials involving serious matters such as murder, rape, armed robbery, fraud, and contraventions of the Financial Institutions Act and Bank Act. He developed a reputation for methodical preparation, composed courtroom presence, and an ability to find the angles others miss.
Specialist Training
During his time at both the NPA and Legal Aid SA, André attended numerous specialist courses and seminars covering DNA evidence examination and testing, fingerprint evidence, and ballistic evidence — all in pursuit of mastering the finer skills required when dealing with forensic evidence in criminal matters.
In 2016, André opened his own practice in Bellville, where he provides personalized, vigorous criminal defence to clients across the entire Western Cape. Unlike large firms, every client speaks directly with André — no juniors, no handoffs.
A record built in courtrooms, not boardrooms.
LLB
University of the Free State, 1996
Articles Completed
Northern Cape, 1997
Admitted Attorney
Law Society of South Africa
NPA Prosecutor
National Prosecuting Authority — Eastern Free State & Bellville, 1998–2005
Defence Attorney
Legal Aid SA, Cape Town Justice Centre — Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Malmesbury & Bellville, 2005–2016
Principal Attorney
André Kirsten Attorneys, Bellville, 2016–present
Specialist Training
DNA evidence, fingerprint evidence, ballistic evidence
Languages
English · Afrikaans · isiXhosa
Practice Area
Western Cape — all courts including High Court & Magistrates' Courts
The principles behind every case.
Accessibility
You deserve a lawyer who answers your call. We maintain a 24/7 emergency line because crises don't follow business hours — we are available all hours, every day of the year.
Prosecutorial Edge
André's 7 years as an NPA prosecutor means he has conducted both prosecution and defence investigations. He knows exactly how the state builds its case — and where it can be challenged.
Tenacity
André fights for every possible outcome — from diversion and withdrawal with no criminal record, to full trials and High Court appeals. No matter how small or serious, every client receives full commitment.
We're here when you need us.
Standard Office Hours
24/7 Emergency: Our emergency line (072 604 5324) is monitored around the clock for arrests, bail applications, and urgent matters — regardless of day or time.
Virtual Consultations
Virtual and online consultations are available for initial case assessments. We recommend scheduling appointments during office hours for detailed consultations.
Emergency Line
If you have been arrested or require urgent legal assistance outside of office hours, call our emergency line immediately. André is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the Western Cape.
Call 072 604 5324Arrested? Don't wait.
Call André now.
We are on call 24 hours a day, throughout the year, across the Western Cape.
You have everything to gain.