Media Statement – Joint Submission on South Africa’s Bail System

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) have made joint submissions in response to the South African Law Reform Commission’s Discussion Paper 167, which explores reforms to South Africa’s bail system. South Africa’s prison population, particularly those awaiting trial, has increased at a rate that places a significant burden on the State. The way South Africa regulates its bail system has a significant impact on the size of this population, and is therefore in desperate need of reform. To this end, HSF and LHR propose a number of legislative reforms aimed at reducing the population of remand detainees, including reforms related but not limited to: delayed trials and bail applications; affordability of bail; verification of the particulars of the accused; and alternatives to detention.

The submissions can be read here.