Mashatile calls for alternative arrest methods

JOHANNESBURG - Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for alternative methods to be used other than arrests to ensure the court attendance of people accused of crime.

Mashatile made the proposition during his address at the National Conference on the Integrated Criminal Justice System on Tuesday.

He said these methods would reduce civil claims for unlawful arrest.

Civil society groups and activists who attended the conference made rampant calls for police to arrest suspects accused of crimes ranging from gender-based violence (GBV) to corruption.

However, Mashatile said the use of methods such as summons and written notices should be used instead to get people accused of crime to come to court to reduce civil claims for unlawful arrests.

“Ensuring these methods are more accessible to police officials, and considering greater judicial oversight over arrest is also necessary to reduce unnecessary arrests."

Mashatile also noted the drastic impact that arrests can have on the fundamental rights of individuals saying it is imperative to reduce the instances of unnecessary arrests that lead to unlawful detention.

He said this would improve the overall justice system.

The conference is also set to review the Criminal Procedure Act, which is the primary piece of legislation used in criminal courts.