ARE YOU A 'CRIMINAL'?

South African is an overcriminalised society

With the astronomical number of faux crimes recognised by statutes and regulations in South Africa, it is no surprise that the police, prosecutors, and prisons, do not have the capacity to focus where their attention is required: violence.

The Section 12 Initiative is developing a Criminalisation Index to act as a database of crimes recognised by South African law, and is advocating that Parliament adopt a Criminal Code that will be a centrally accessible list of anything and everything one might be charged with under our law.

(latest update: 13 March 2024)

Did you know...?

Vaping in your own house...

If the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is adopted by Parliament, those who choose to smoke or vape inside their own homes while using their homes as places of work, could be fined and/or imprisoned for up to five years.

Remaining a small business...

In terms of the Employment Equity Act, a business owner who takes steps to avoid becoming a 'designated employer' under the Act (i.e., a business with a large turnover or a large workforce), could be fined R30,000.

Being a creative filmmaker...

In terms of the Films and Publications Act, anyone who distributes or shows a film or videogame in public without being registered with the Films and Publications Board could be fined up to R150,000 and/or be imprisoned for up to eight months.