Search judgments by proposition, citation, court, judge or legal topic, then move directly into the source-grounded case analysis.
Results update automatically as you type.
South Africa decisions
Decisions matching the current search
Pop v S (A157/2024) [2025] ZAFSHC 152 (12 May 2025)
The High Court dismissed an appeal against life imprisonment for murder, finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence.
Molamudi v S (A184/2022) [2024] ZAGPPHC 231 (8 March 2024)
The court held that the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment for rape committed more than once in one incident applies unless substantial and compelling circumstances justify a lesser sentence. The appellant's arguments regarding his age, lack of children, alleged remorse, potential for rehabilitation, and absence of a father figure were found insufficient, individually and cumulatively, to constitute substantial and compelling circumstances. The court emphasised the violent, premeditated, and calculated nature of the rape, as well as its severe impact on the complainant. The tria…
Source excerpt
Cezula v S (A251/23) [2024] ZAWCHC 75 (8 March 2024)
Appeal against refusal of bail dismissed. The court held the appellant had not shown exceptional circumstances and that detention was justified under the bail provisions.
Maidi v S (A43/2017) [2017] ZAGPPHC 775 (3 November 2017)
The court found that there was no evidence to support the appellant's claim of provocation, as the complainant's actions did not justify the violent response. The Magistrate had properly considered the appellant's personal circumstances and correctly characterized him as a violent person, given his previous conviction for robbery. The court held that the sentences imposed were appropriate in light of the severity of the offences, the appellant's lack of remorse, and the serious injuries inflicted on the complainant. There was no misdirection by the Magistrate, and the sentences did not induce…
Source excerpt
Bruin and Another v S (CA&R7/17) [2017] ZANCHC 43 (19 May 2017)
The court found that the violence inflicted by the appellants was closely connected to the theft, as it was used to retain possession of the stolen goods and prevent resistance from the complainant. The theft was still in progress when the complainant returned, and the violence was applied to ensure the appellants could escape with the stolen items. The court held that, in line with precedent, violence need not precede theft for a conviction of robbery if there is a substantial connection between the two acts. Regarding sentence, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to…
Source excerpt
Shubane and Another v S (073/14) [2014] ZASCA 148 (26 September 2014)
The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal against a 17-year robbery sentence, holding that no forewarning of a sentence above the minimum was required.
S v Hendricks [2011] ZAWCHC 281; ; A658/2010 (13 May 2011)
Appeal court reduced robbery and theft sentences but upheld two life sentences for the murders, and set aside an invalid parole-order under sentencing law.
Arnott v S (CA&R 162/07) [2010] ZAECGHC 19 (5 March 2010)
The court found that the appellant's intention to kill was the only reasonable inference from the nature of the attack, the weapon used, and the injuries sustained. The use of an axe was proven by witness testimony and medical evidence. In the absence of evidence regarding the appellant's subjective state of mind, inferential reasoning was applied, and the court concluded that the appellant must have foreseen the possibility of death and reconciled himself with that outcome. The conviction for attempted murder was therefore correct. Regarding sentence, the court held that the magistrate had p…
Source excerpt
S v Batwali (CA&R 74/2007) [2007] ZANCHC 64 (16 November 2007)
The Northern Cape High Court dismissed a sentence appeal for murder and assault, finding no material misdirection and confirming the trial court's sentences.
S v Pholoana (78/2006) [2006] ZAFSHC 134 (1 September 2006)
After a guilty plea for murder, the Free State High Court held the offence fell under the statutory minimum-sentence regime and imposed 25 years' imprisonment.
Explore more
