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Sequelae: The Criminal Procedure Act was amended in 1993 to allow ‘dangerous criminals’ to be detained for an indeterminate time. They do not qualify for parole but may be released if a court finds them no longer dangerous. But some men are being re-sentenced instead. Photo: Getty Images
AFRICA CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

When only the court can set you free

Should Brannon Petersen only be reconsidered to be released in August next year, he would have spent 27 years in prison, ten years after his indefinite sentence expired

  • Eunice Masson
8 min read
A Cape Town Metro Police officer conducts a police search operation in Hannover Park. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI/AFP via Getty Images)
AFRICA CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

Shooting blanks a popular choice for gangsters

Criminals have capitalised on the strong visual resemblance that imitation weapons bear to firearms

  • Eunice Masson
7 min read