Criminal Procedure Matters Amendment Act 109 of 1984

The Criminal Procedure Matters Amendment Act 109 of 1984 intends:

• to amend the Magistrates' Courts Act, 1944, so as to increase the punitive jurisdiction relating to fines of magistrates' courts and the courts of regional divisions; and
• to amend the Criminal Procedure Ac:t, 1977, so as
  • to further regulate the issue of written notices to secure the attendance of an accused in a magistrate's court;
  • to increase the admission of guilt fine which may be paid in terms of a summons or a written notice; 
  • to increase the fine which may be imposed upon an accused after a conviction pursuant to a plea of guilty only;
  • to regulate more clearly the duty of an accused and a witness to appear at proceedings which have been adjourned;
  • to increase the compensation which may be awarded by a lower court to any person who has suffered damage as a result of an offence tried by that court; and
  • to further regulate the review of certain sentences; and
• to provide for matters connected therewith.

Commencement

1 September 1984 (Gazette 9401 of 31 August 1984)