We Have Simple Answers For You!

After being arrested, you may be detained (forced to stay) at a police station where you may be searched and questioned. You should note that you may refuse to be searched. If you agree to be searched, the search must be conducted by an officer of the same sex as you. However, the police can take your fingerprints and take photographs of you even without your consent.

Additionally, you have the following 6 basic rights:

  • You have the right to be told why you are being detained. The police must inform you of these rights in a language you understand.
  • You have the right to choose and consult with an attorney of your choice. If you cannot afford an attorney of choice,  you have the right to have one assigned by the state at the state’s expense. You also have the right to be told about this right immediately upon being detained.
  • You have the right to be detained in conditions that are consistent with human dignity, including at least exercise and the provision, at state expense, of the following: adequate accommodation, nutrition, reading material and medical treatment.
  • You have the right to communicate with, and be visited by your spouse or partner, next of kin, chosen religious counselor and chosen doctor.
  • Most importantly, you have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Please leave any further questions or comments in the comments section down below.
We hope this has been as useful as it is simple.

Disclaimer

The information contained on https://mysimplifiedlaw.wordpress.com  is aimed at providing you with guidance on the South African law. We have ensured that this information is accurate, however, the law is constantly being changed. Although we have tried to keep this information accurate, we cannot guarantee that there are no omissions or errors. Therefore, http://www.mysimplifiedlaw.wordpress.com will not , under any circumstance accept liability for or be held liable for consequences resulting from the use or inability to use the information by the reader or negligence by us in relation to the information used. Every person has unique circumstances and this information has not been provided to meet individual requirements.
The Rights to the images used on http://www.mysimplifiedlaw.wordpress.com and its social media belong to their respective owners. Please contact us for any queries in this regard.