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South Africa decisions
Decisions matching the current search
A.Z v S (Appeal) (A41/2025) [2025] ZAWCHC 340 (11 August 2025)
The High Court dismissed an appeal against life imprisonment for the murder of the appellant’s young cousin, holding there were no substantial and compelling circumstances.
M.P.S v S (A21/2024) [2025] ZAGPJHC 703 (21 July 2025)
The appeal court found that the trial court correctly applied the cautionary rule to the evidence of the complainant, a single child witness. The complainant's account was corroborated by medical evidence indicating injuries consistent with vaginal penetration, her mother's testimony regarding her pain and distress, and her consistent reporting of the incident. The contradictions in the State's case were not material and did not undermine the overall credibility of the complainant. The appellant's denial was found to be false and not reasonably possibly true when viewed against the totality o…
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Stunga v S (Appeal) (CA&R155/2024) [2025] ZAECMKHC 54 (15 July 2025)
The High Court dismissed an appeal against a life sentence for rape of an 11-year-old, finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to depart from the minimum sentence.
Mabuza v S (A30/2024) [2025] ZAMPMBHC 57 (18 June 2025)
High Court appeal dismissed; life sentence for rape of a six-year-old child stood, with condonation granted for the late appeal.
Dasheka v S (A147/2024) [2025] ZAFSHC 173 (12 June 2025)
Appeal against rape conviction and life sentence for sexual penetration of a four-year-old child dismissed.
Mahlakanya v S (A69/2024) [2025] ZAGPPHC 573 (4 June 2025)
The court held that the trial court did not misdirect itself in imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment for the rape of a minor. The appellant's personal circumstances, whether considered individually or cumulatively, did not amount to substantial and compelling circumstances warranting deviation from the statutory minimum. The appellant's previous convictions indicated a propensity for criminal conduct, and no evidence was presented to support the possibility of rehabilitation. The prescribed sentence is not, in itself, a ground for mitigation. Accordingly, there was no…
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S v Mtshali (Sentence) (CC59/2024) [2025] ZAGPPHC 590 (30 May 2025)
The court found that the accused committed heinous crimes against a defenceless minor, with no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences. The accused's personal circumstances, including youthfulness and time spent in custody, were considered but found insufficient to outweigh the gravity of the offences. The court emphasized the need for a standardized response to such serious crimes and the protection of society. The application for a postponement to obtain a probation officer's report was denied as unsubstantiated and unnecessary. Th…
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K.S v S (Appeal) (CA60/2018) [2025] ZANWHC 89 (27 May 2025)
The High Court dismissed an appeal against a rape conviction and life sentence, granting condonation for late filing and finding no prejudice from the charge sheet wording.
C.W v S (Appeal) (A301/2024) [2025] ZAWCHC 198 (13 May 2025)
Appeal dismissed in a rape case involving a seven-year-old step-granddaughter. The High Court upheld the conviction and life sentence, finding no misdirection.
Phogole v S (370/2023) [2025] ZASCA 54 (9 May 2025)
The SCA upheld a rape conviction based on a single child witness, but reduced the sentence because the minimum-sentence warning was not properly shown on record.
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