S v P H (117/2024)
S v P H (117/2024) [2024] ZAWCHC 108; 2024 (2) SACR 68 (WCC) (22 April 2024)
The High Court found that the respondent was denied his statutory and constitutional rights to legal representation and procedural due process during the committal enquiry. Although the respondent initially indicated a willingness to represent himself, he later expressly requested legal representation and the opportunity to call expert witnesses. The magistrate failed to adjourn the proceedings to allow the respondent to secure legal representation and did not adequately explain his rights to cross-examine witnesses or present evidence. The committal order, which resulted in a serious depriva…
Source excerpt
- Involuntary Committal
- Right To Legal Representation
- Procedural Due Process
- Drug Dependency Act
- Deprivation Of Liberty