LPL4802
PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number: 790512
Due Date: 30 May 2024
QUESTION 1
a.
Unlawful detention in terms of section 59 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, as
amended, refers to the illegal and wrongful deprivation of a person's liberty by law
enforcement authorities without just cause. Section 59 of the Act pertains to the release of
a detainee on bail before their first appearance in court.1
Section 59(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act allows for the release on bail of an accused
who is in custody for certain offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol, by
any police official of or above the rank of non-commissioned officer, in consultation with the
police official charged with the investigation. This provision gives the police the authority to
consider and grant bail to a detained person before their initial court appearance.
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Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
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and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, QUESTION 1
a.
Unlawful detention in terms of section 59 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, as
amended, refers to the illegal and wrongful deprivation of a person's liberty by law
enforcement authorities without just cause. Section 59 of the Act pertains to the
release of a detainee on bail before their first appearance in court.1
Section 59(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act allows for the release on bail of an
accused who is in custody for certain offenses, including driving under the influence
of alcohol, by any police official of or above the rank of non-commissioned officer, in
consultation with the police official charged with the investigation. This provision gives
the police the authority to consider and grant bail to a detained person before their
initial court appearance.
Unlawful detention can occur if the police fail to adhere to the requirements of section
59, such as failing to inform the detainee of their right to apply for bail or unreasonably
delaying the process of considering the detainee's release on bail. Additionally, if a
detainee is not brought before a lower court as soon as reasonably possible, but within
48 hours after the arrest, their continued detention may be unlawful according to
section 59(1)(c) of the Act.
In the case of Syce and Another v Minister of Police2, the issue of unlawful detention
arose in relation to the arrest and subsequent detention of Mr Syce. The court found
that the Minister failed to justify Mr Syce's continued detention after his return to the
police station, as there was no evidence to explain the circumstances leading to Mr
Syce's release in terms of section 59 of the CPA3. Additionally, there was no evidence
presented to challenge Mr Syce's assertion that he was not informed of his right to
apply for bail in accordance with section 50(1)(b) of the CPA. This lack of justification
rendered Mr Syce's continued detention unlawful.
1
Section 59 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
2
Syce and Another v Minister of Police (1119/2022) [2024] ZASCA 30.
3
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
