Criminal Procedure Act, 1977

The Criminal Procedure Act (Act No. 51 of 1977) was adopted on 21 April 1977 and commenced on 22 July 1977. The version provided to download includes amendments, as at 25 April 2008.

This Act provides, among others, for the procedures to be followed in criminal proceedings; arrest and other measures of securing the attendance of accused persons in court; and the release of an accused on warning or bail.

It further regulates the laws pertaining to search and warrants; seizure and forfeiture of property; assistance to accused persons; summary trials and preparatory examinations; conduct of proceedings; witnesses and evidence; competent verdicts, previous convictions and sentence; compensation and restitution; reviews and appeals in cases of criminal proceedings in lower courts; and for appeals in cases of criminal proceedings in superior courts.