Read the latest legal news, updates and commentary from the offices of Simon Dippenaar & Associates.
You cannot fight what you cannot see When someone is arrested on a serious charge, the race to prepare a bail application begins immediately. The defence team must construct its case with evidence: a founding affidavit, witness preparation, corroborating documents. This needs to happen very quickly. Yet one of the most important sources of information […]
The cannabis law is getting clearer. Enforcement is not. On 2 February 2026, draft regulations were published under the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act. Public comment closed on Thursday, 5 March 2026. Last updated: 28 March 2026 The numbers everyone is asking about Important: these are draft regulations. They are not the final word yet […]
The hidden architecture of failure in Schedule 6 bail applications Upon arrest, an accused person may apply for bail, which is a sum of money paid to the court that allows the accused to be released from custody until trial. Bail allows them to return home until the trial. By law, everyone has the right […]
What it means for your right to self-defence in South Africa A new battle over self-defence in South Africa On 18 November 2025 BusinessTech reported on the new Firearms Control Act Amendment Bill (2025) and raised a stark concern: in its current form, the Bill could make it harder for ordinary South Africans to protect […]
Understanding Fraud in Plain English Fraud is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — criminal offences in South Africa. It appears in headlines almost daily, from corporate scandals to social grant fraud, but many people are unclear about what the law actually defines as fraud. Quick answer: what is fraud in South […]
Defending against AI-enhanced surveillance In today’s tech-driven world, artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technology have significantly influenced surveillance, law enforcement and evidence collection. AI-powered tools include facial recognition, predictive analytics and automated licence plate readers, which are increasingly used in criminal and civil cases. However, despite their reputation for accuracy, these technologies are not fool-proof. […]
What are the legal implications? The sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI), along with its application, is increasing almost on a daily basis. The UK has announced the world’s biggest trial of breast cancer screening and diagnosis using AI in place of the second radiologist (mammograms are normally assessed by two human doctors). If successful, this […]
Can a parent be held criminally liable for their child’s crime in South Africa? Earlier this year, Jennifer and James Crumbley became the first parents in US history to be convicted of involuntary manslaughter for a mass shooting committed by their child. They were each sentenced to 10–15 years in prison, the maximum penalty for […]
What is assault and what should you do if you are assaulted? The very word “assault” understandably sparks fear and alarm in many people. Although assault can be verbal, we most often associate assault with a physical act. In South African law, assault is a criminal offence defined as the unlawful or intentional application of […]
Understanding the subpoena process in South African law Have you been summonsed to appear in court (subpoenaed) and give evidence in a trial? If so, you may be frightened, or at least a bit anxious. As lawyers, we attend court all the time. It’s a familiar environment for us. But we know that for the […]
White collar crime can do as much damage to society as violent crime Commercial crime, also called “white collar crime”, is often called a victimless crime, because it is not perpetrated against an individual. But it is anything but victimless. And with more and more of our lives conducted online, along with the growth in […]
Robbery and burglary are used interchangeably but they have different meanings in law Have you ever had a break-in or home invasion? If so, you’re one of more than 1.1 million households that experienced housebreaking incidents in the 2022/23 period, according to Stats SA. But did you experience a robbery or a burglary? These terms […]
