Achieve a distinction with this comprehensive and well-organized set of CPR3701 Assignment 1 (ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED. Ensure accuracy and excellence in your submission!!! ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
Three assailants, A, B and C are engaged in an armed robbery at one of the
jewellery stores in the newly-built Mall For All shopping centre. During the
ensuing fracas, a firefight ensues as the security guards employed by the
shopping centre attempt to foil the robbery. F, one of the security guards,
orders A, who is cornered inside the store to surrender. However, A responds by
running out of the jewellery store towards an opposite exit of the shopping
centre. Still in hot pursuit, F issues three instructions to A to stop, but A
continues running away in the opposite direction. F thereupon takes out his
firearm, and shoots at A (who, at this point is about 10 metres away from F),
hitting him on his left shoulder. A is, thereupon apprehended by F. Meanwhile,
B and C make away with an undisclosed amount in fine jewellery and cash.
1. “In terms of s 35(1)(d)(i) of the Constitution and section 50(1)(d) of the CPA, everyone who is
arrested for allegedly committing an offence has the right to be brought before a court as soon as
reasonably possible, but not later than 48 hours after the arrest”
After A’s arrest, he is placed in hospital where he is recuperating from his injuries. He is only made to
appear in court ten weeks after his initial arrest. Upon his first appearance in court, A instructs his
attorney L, to apply for the case to be ‘struck off the roll’ on the grounds that his Constitutional right
to appear before court within 48 hours has been violated.
Critically evaluate and discuss the merits of A’s contention. (7)
2. A subsequently applies for bail. The prosecutor, P, informs the court that the accused will be
charged, in the subsequent criminal trial, with robbery with aggravating circumstances. A
argues, inter alia, that “the interests of justice justify” his release on bail. The investigating officer,
Sgt. Nosey Kekana, and the prosecutor, P, are, however, of the opposite view. In their preparations
to oppose bail, they are convinced that the interests of justice do not warrant the accused’s release
on bail because:
2.1 the accused was “arrested at the scene of the crime” and cannot, therefore, be presumed
innocent; (3)
2.2 the nature and the seriousness of the offences suggest that the accused must be kept in custody
as “a measure of punishment” before trial, and also to “ensure that the public does not lose faith in
the criminal justice system by releasing the obviously guilty” on bail. (2)
2.3 the charges against the accused (A) are classified under Schedule 6 of the CPA, and, therefore,
2.3.1 the prosecution bears the onus to prove to the court beyond any reasonable doubt that
the interests of justice do not warrant C’s release. (2)
2.3.2 the prosecution must, inter alia, prove that “substantial and compelling” circumstances
are absent which warrant C and D’s release on bail. (2)
Critically evaluate the aspects raised by the prosecutor and the investigating officer against the
background of South African jurisprudence.
3. During the subsequent trial the prosecutor, P, calls the first witness, Q, whom she intends to
cross-examine. Critically evaluate the correctness or otherwise of P’s course of action in the context
of the function of cross-examination. (5)
4. At the end of the defence case the magistrate, M, convicts the accused (after the initial charge
of robbery with aggravating circumstances) with assault with intent and to cause grievous bodily
harm. Critically evaluate M’s finding in line with the principles of South African law. (4)
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CPR3701
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 27 August 2025
QUESTION 1
Section 35(1)(d)(i) of the Constitution confirms that every arrested person must be brought
before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than 48 hours after the arrest,
unless the arrest occurs outside ordinary court hours or on a non-court day, in which case
appearance must occur on the next court day after the 48 hours expire.1
However, section 50(1)(d)(iii) of the CPA allows for exceptions to this 48-hour rule when the
arrested person is physically unable to attend court due to illness or injury. In such cases,
the time limit becomes “elastic” and the 48-hour period is extended until the person is
medically fit to appear before court.1 Importantly, the court must be informed of the
accused’s condition and whereabouts, usually through a medical certificate.1
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