CMY3704
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
Due August 2025
,CMY3704
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
Due August 2025
Formal Reaction to Crime
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Context of Sentencing in South Africa ................................................................... 2
1.2 Outline of Discussion ............................................................................................. 2
2. Definition of Key Concepts .......................................................................................... 3
2.1 Imprisonment ......................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Operational Definition ............................................................................................ 3
3. Forms of Imprisonment in South Africa ....................................................................... 4
3.1 Legal Framework ................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Available Sentencing Options ................................................................................ 4
4. Suitability of Sentencing Options in Mokoena’s Case ................................................. 6
5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Imprisonment ....................................................... 7
6. Impact of Overcrowding and Socio-Economic Factors ................................................ 8
7. Proportionality and Justice of Mokoena’s Sentence .................................................... 9
8. Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 10
References .................................................................................................................... 11
, 1. Introduction
1.1 Context of Sentencing in South Africa
Sentencing in South Africa is not merely a judicial mechanism; it is a mirror reflecting
the enduring legacies of structural inequality, poverty, and social exclusion. The 2024
case of Thabo Mokoena, sentenced to 18 years for armed robbery, unlawful possession
of a firearm, and assault, exposes the tension between retributive justice and the
constitutional imperative of rehabilitation. His case unfolds in the shadow of a penal
system in crisis—operating at 132% capacity (Department of Correctional Services,
2023)—and follows high-profile decarceration policies, such as the release of 19,000
inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic (News24, 2020). Despite clear signs of
remorse and socio-economic disadvantage, Mokoena received a sentence that raises
critical questions about proportionality, sentencing flexibility, and the viability of
incarceration as a default response.
1.2 Outline of Discussion
This paper critically evaluates the forms of imprisonment available under South African
law, using Mokoena’s case as a prism through which to assess the suitability,
effectiveness, and long-term consequences of custodial sentences. Drawing from
statutory law, case precedent (S v Mabuse 2023; S v Duma 2023), the CMY3704 study
guide, and international best practices, the analysis goes beyond doctrinal critique to
integrate emerging insights from correctional policy, behavioural science, and
comparative criminology.
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
Due August 2025
,CMY3704
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
Due August 2025
Formal Reaction to Crime
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Context of Sentencing in South Africa ................................................................... 2
1.2 Outline of Discussion ............................................................................................. 2
2. Definition of Key Concepts .......................................................................................... 3
2.1 Imprisonment ......................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Operational Definition ............................................................................................ 3
3. Forms of Imprisonment in South Africa ....................................................................... 4
3.1 Legal Framework ................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Available Sentencing Options ................................................................................ 4
4. Suitability of Sentencing Options in Mokoena’s Case ................................................. 6
5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Imprisonment ....................................................... 7
6. Impact of Overcrowding and Socio-Economic Factors ................................................ 8
7. Proportionality and Justice of Mokoena’s Sentence .................................................... 9
8. Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 10
References .................................................................................................................... 11
, 1. Introduction
1.1 Context of Sentencing in South Africa
Sentencing in South Africa is not merely a judicial mechanism; it is a mirror reflecting
the enduring legacies of structural inequality, poverty, and social exclusion. The 2024
case of Thabo Mokoena, sentenced to 18 years for armed robbery, unlawful possession
of a firearm, and assault, exposes the tension between retributive justice and the
constitutional imperative of rehabilitation. His case unfolds in the shadow of a penal
system in crisis—operating at 132% capacity (Department of Correctional Services,
2023)—and follows high-profile decarceration policies, such as the release of 19,000
inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic (News24, 2020). Despite clear signs of
remorse and socio-economic disadvantage, Mokoena received a sentence that raises
critical questions about proportionality, sentencing flexibility, and the viability of
incarceration as a default response.
1.2 Outline of Discussion
This paper critically evaluates the forms of imprisonment available under South African
law, using Mokoena’s case as a prism through which to assess the suitability,
effectiveness, and long-term consequences of custodial sentences. Drawing from
statutory law, case precedent (S v Mabuse 2023; S v Duma 2023), the CMY3704 study
guide, and international best practices, the analysis goes beyond doctrinal critique to
integrate emerging insights from correctional policy, behavioural science, and
comparative criminology.
