South Africa’s criminal justice system involves several key departments and institutions that work together to uphold the law and ensure justice.
The main parts of the system are:
- South African Police Service (SAPS): Prevents and investigates crime, and arrests suspects.
- National Prosecuting Authority (NPA): Decides whether there is enough evidence to prosecute a suspect and presents the case in court.
- The Judiciary (Judges and Magistrates): Presides over court proceedings, determines guilt or innocence, and issues sentences.
(Learn more from the Department of Justice website.) - Department of Justice and Constitutional Development: Oversees the administration of justice and ensures access to legal services.
- Department of Correctional Services (DCS): Manages prison facilities, enforces sentences, and works to rehabilitate offenders.
- Department of Social Development (DSD): Appoints probation officers and provides social support to victims, families, and communities.
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