LME3701 Exam Pack 2026

LME3701
EXAM PACK

, lOMoARcPSD|21997160




COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CRIMINAL LAW RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE: AN ANALYSIS OF SOUTH AFRICA AND ZIMBABWE




By




Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
LLB




In the




SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA




SUPERVISOR: NAME OF ANY OF THE LECTURERS FOR THIS MODULE
(ASSIGNMENT NUMBER )
2024

, lOMoARcPSD|21997160




Table of Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Problem Statement.................................................................................................................... 4
3. Hypothesis................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Points of departure and assumptions......................................................................................5
1. Current Legal Frameworks and General Offenses............................................................5
2. Constitutional Protections:.................................................................................................... 5
3. Role and Limitations of Domestic Violence Acts:..............................................................5
4. Comparative Legal Analysis of South Africa and Zimbabwe:..........................................5
5. Inadequate Criminal Law Response to Domestic Violence:............................................6
6. Need for Legal Reform and Stronger Criminal Sanctions:...............................................6
7. Victims’ Constitutional Rights May Not Be Fully Protected:.............................................6
8. Comparative Analysis Will Reveal Areas for Improvement:.............................................6
5. Conceptualisation of central research themes.......................................................................7
6. Proposed chapter outlay........................................................................................................... 7
7. Projected time scale................................................................................................................... 7
8. Description of proposed research method.............................................................................. 7
9. Preparatory study and research............................................................................................... 7
10. Conclusion.............................................................................................................................. 7
11. Bibliography............................................................................................................................ 7




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, lOMoARcPSD|21997160




1. Introduction

Domestic violence is a serious problem in many countries, affecting the basic rights
of victims, especially women and children. In South Africa and Zimbabwe, the
criminal law is important in dealing with domestic violence. However, unlike some
other countries where "domestic violence" is a specific crime, both South Africa and
Zimbabwe rely on general crimes like assault, harassment, and intimidation to deal
with offenders. This raises concerns about whether the criminal law is effective
enough to protect victims and prevent further abuse.



In South Africa, the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 provides civil remedies, such
as protection orders, but does not make domestic violence a separate criminal
offense. Similarly, Zimbabwe’s Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16] offers
protections but does not classify domestic violence as a unique crime. These laws
may leave gaps in criminal law where certain actions by offenders are not
adequately addressed.



This research will examine whether the criminal law in both South Africa and
Zimbabwe is effective in providing justice to victims and preventing domestic
violence. By comparing the legal systems of both countries, this study will look at
whether the current legal responses are enough or if improvements are needed,
including whether a specific crime of domestic violence should be introduced.



The research will focus on the relevant laws, court cases, and human rights
principles that shape the current legal responses in both countries. It will also
consider whether stronger criminal laws are necessary to better protect victims and
hold offenders accountable. By comparing these two systems, the research aims to
contribute to possible law reforms in South Africa and Zimbabwe.




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