26 Feb 2017

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi has told Parliament that since April 2008, a total of 17 472 cases were investigated.

The said cases fall under the category of offences provided for under sections 66-98 of the penal code (CAP 08:01).

Minister Kgathi was responding to a question in Parliament on Thursday, from the Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse.

Mr Kgathi said 14 522 of the 17 472 were affray cases representing 83 per cent of all the cases investigated.

He said out of the number of cases investigated, 11 138 were registered before court.

Furthermore, he said a total of 22 395 suspects were arrested, resulting in 21 862 accused persons being charged and prosecuted.

Out of the number of accused charged, 20 694 were convicted and sentenced and 368 were acquitted, he added.

MP Keorapetse had asked the minister to state cases investigated in respect of unlawful societies, unlawful assemblies, riots and other offences against Public Tranquility (section 66-98) since April 2008.

Again, MP Keorapetse also wanted to know the number of suspects arrested, charged, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced. ENDS