Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act to allow for charges related to sex crimes to be instituted after a lapse of 20 years. The bill will also extend the list of sexual offences liable for prosecution. Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane said at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday that the amendments gave effect to the judgment by the South Gauteng High Court in the Levenstein case. The judge declared Section 18 of the Criminal Procedure Act inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid to the extent that it barred, in all circumstances, the right to institute a prosecution for all sexual offences (other than those listed in the act) after a lapse of 20 years from the time when the offence was committed. "The amendments will allow the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) wider discretion to institute prosecutions in sexual prosecutions in sexual offences," Mokonyane said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.