REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE

STAATSKOERANT
VAN DIE REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA

CAPE TOWN. 2 DECEMBER 1998

vol. 402 No. 19537
KAAPSTAD, 2 DESEMBER 1998

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT KANTOOR VAN DIE PRESIDENT

No. 155 I. 2 December I998 No. 155 1. 2 Dcszmber 1998

It is hereby notified that the President has acnented to the Hierby word bekend gemaak dat die President sy goed-
following Act which is hereby published for general keuring geheg het xm die onderstaande Wet wat hierby trr
intormation:-- algemene inligting gepubliseer word:-

No. I16 of 19%: Domestic Violence Act, 199X. No. 116 van 1998: Wet op Gesinsgeweld, 199X
2 No. 19.537 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 2 DECEMBER 1998

Act No. 116,199s DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT. 1998

GENERAL EXPLANATORY NOTE:

Words underlined with a solid line indicate insertions in
existing enactments.

(Eqlish text signed by the President.)

(Assented to 20 November 1998.)

ACT
To provide for the issuing of protection orders with regard to domestic violence;
and for matters connected therewith.

PREAMBLE

RECOGNISING that domestic violence is a serious social evil; that there is a high
incidence of domestic violence within South African society; that victims of domestic
violence are among the most vulnerable members of society; that domestic violence
takes on many forms; that acts of domestic violence may be committed in a wide range
of domestic relationships: and that the remedies currently available to the victims of
domestic violence have proved to be ineffective:

AND HAVING REGARD to the Constitution of South Africa, and in particular, the
right to equality and to freedom and security of the person: and the international
commitments and obligations of the State towards ending violence against women and
children, including obligations under the United Nations Conventions on the Elimina-
tion of all Forms of Discrimination Agiainst Women and the Rights of the Child;

IT IS THE PURPOSE of this Act to afford the victims of domestic violence the
maximum protection from domestic abuse that the law can provide; and to introduce
measures which seek to ensure that the relevant organs of state give full effect to the
provisions of this Act, and thereby KO convey that the State is committed to the
elimination of domestic violence.

B E IT THEREFORE
as follows:-
ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa,

Definitions

1. In this Act. unless the context indicates otherwise-

(i) “arm” means any arm as defined in section l(1) or any armament as defined 5
in section 32( 1) of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969);
(xxiii)
(ii) “clerk of the court” means ;a clerk of the court appointed in terms of section
13 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act, 1944 (Act No. 32 of 1944), and includes an
assistant clerk of the court s,o appointed; (xvi) 10
(iii) “complainant” means any person who is or has been in a domestic
relationship with a respondent and who is or has been subjected or allegedly
subjected to an act of domes,tic violence, including any child in the care of the
complainant; (xv)
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Act No. 116, 1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT. 1998

(iv) “court” means any court contemplated in the Magistrates’ Courts Act, 1944
(Act No. 32 of 1944) or any family court established in terms of an Act of
Parliament; (xiii)
(v) “damage to property” mean:; the wilful damaging or destruction of property
belonging to a complainant or in which the complainant has a vested interest; 5
(iii)
“dangerous weapon” means any weapon as defined in section 1 of the
Dangerous Weapons Act, 1968 (Act No. 71 of 1968); (xi)
“domestic relationship” me:ans a relationship between a complainant and a
respondent in any of the following ways: 10
they are or were married to each other, including marriage according to
any law, custom or religion;
they (whether they are of the same or of the opposite sex) live or lived
together in a relationship in the nature of marriage, although they are not,
or were not, married to each other, or are not able to be married to each 15
other;
they are the parents of a child or are persons who have or had parental
responsibility for that child (whether or not at the same time);
they are family members related by consanguinity, affinity or adoption;
they are or were in an engagement, dating or customary relationship. 20
including an actual or perceived romantic, intimate or sexual relationship
of any duration; or
they share or recently !shared the same residence; (x)
(viii) “domestic violence” means,-
((7) physical abuse; 25
(19) sexual abuse;
fc) emotional, verbal and psychological abuse;
(d) economic abuse;
(c) intimidation;
If) harassment: 30
(,q) stalking;
(/I) damage to property:
(i) entry into the complainant’s residence without consent, where the parties
do not share the same residence; or
fj) any other controlling or abusive behaviour towards a complainant, 35
where such conduct harms, or may cause imminent harm to, the safety. health
or wellbeing of the complainant; (ix)
(ix) “economic abuse” includes-
(n) the unreasonable deprivation of economic or financial resources to which
a complainant is entitled under law or which the complainant requires out 40
of necessity, including household necessities for the complainant, and
mortgage bond repayments or payment of rent in respect of the shared
residence; or
(b) the unreasonable disposal of household effects or other property in which
the complainant has a.n interest; (v) 4.5
(x) “emergency monetary relief” means compensation for monetary losses
suffered by a complainant at the time of the issue of a protection order as a
result of the domestic violaence, including-
(a) loss of earnings;
(h) medical and dental expenses; 50
(c) relocation and accommodation expenses; 0’
(d) household necessities; (viii)
(xi) “emotional, verbal and psychological abuse” means a pattern of degrading or
humiliating conduct towards a complainant, including-
(u) repeated insults, ridicule or name calling; 55
(h) repeated threats to cause emotional pain; or
(c) the repeated exhibition of obsessive possessiveness or jealousy, which is
such as to constitute a serious invasion of the complainant’s privacy,
liberty, integrity or security; (vi)
(xii) “harassment” means engalging in a pattern of conduct that induces the fear of 60
harm to a complainant including-
 6 No. 19537 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 2 DECEMBER 1998

Act No. 116,1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 1998

(4 repeatedly watching. or loitering outside of or near the building or place

where the complainant resides, works, carries on business, studies OI
happens to be;
(bl repeatedly making telephone calls or inducing another person to make
telephone calls to the complainant, whether or not conversation ensues; 5
repeatedly sending, delivering or causing the delivery of letters,
telegrams, packages, facsimiles, electronic mail or other objects to the
complainant; (xx)
(xiii) “intimidation” means uttering or conveying a threat, or causing a complain-
ant to receive a threat, which induces fear; (xiv) 10
(xiv) “member of the South African Police Service” means any member as defined
in section 1 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of
1995); (xvii)
(xv) “peace officer” means a peace officer as defined in section 1 of the Criminal
Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977); (xxii) 15
(xvi) “physical abuse” means any act or threatened act of physical violence
towards a complainant; (vii)
(xvii) “prescribed” means prescribed in terms of a regulation made under section
19; (xxi)
(xviii) “protection order” means an order issued in terms of section 5 or 6 but, in 20
section 6, excludes an interim protection order; (iv)
(xix) “residence” includes institutions for children, the elderly and the disabled:
(xxiv)
(xx) “respondent” means any person who is or has been in a domestic relationship
with a complainant and who has committed or allegedly committed an act of 25
domestic violence against the complainant; (xviii)
(xxi) “sexual abuse” means any conduct that abuses, humiliates, degrades or
otherwise violates the sexual integrity of the complainant; (xix)
(xxii) “sheriff’ means a sheriff appointed in terms of section 2( 1) of the Sheriffs Act,
1986 (Act No. 90 of 1986) or an acting sheriff appointed in terms of section 30
5( 1) of the said Act; (ii)
(xxiii) “stalking” means repeatedly following, pursuing, or accosting the complain-
ant; (i)
(xxiv) “this Act” includes the regulations. (xii)

Duty to assist and inform complainant of rights 35

2. Any member of the South African Police Service must, at the scene of an incident
of domestic violence or as soon thereafter as is reasonably possible, or when the incident
of domestic violence is reported-
(a) render such assistance to thle complainant as may be required in the
circumstances, including assisting or making arrangements for the complain- 40
ant to find a suitable shelter and to obtain medical treatment;
(bl if it is reasonably possible to do so, hand a notice containing information as
prescribed to the complainant in the official language of the complainant’s
choice; and
if it is reasonably possible to do so, explain to the complainant the content of 45
such notice in the prescribed manner, including the remedies at his or her
disposal in terms of this Act alnd the right to lodge a criminal complaint, if
applicable.

Arrest by peace officer without warrant

3. A peace officer may without warrant arrest any respondent at the scene of an 50
incident of domestic violence whom he or she reasonably suspects of having committed
an offence containing an element of violence against a complainant.
8 No. 19537 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 2 DECEMBER 1998

Act No. 116. 1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT. 1998

Application for protection order

4. (I ) Any complainant may in the prescribed manner apply to the court for a
protection order.
(2) If the complainant is not represented by a legal representative, the clerk of the
court must inform the complainant. in the prescribed manner- s
(n) of the relief available in terms of this Act; and
(b) of the right to also lodge a criminal complaint against the respondent. if a
criminal offence has been committed by the respondent.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the application may be brought
on behalf of the complainant by any other person, including a counsellor, health service IO
provider. member of the South African Police Service, social worker or teacher, who has
a material interest in the wellbeing of the complainant: Provided that the application
must be brought with the written consent of the complainant, except in circumstances
where the complainant is-
(a) a minor; IS
(h) mentally retarded;
(c) unconscious; or
((1) a person whom the court is, satisfied is unable to provide the required consent.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any minor, or any person on
behalf of a minor, may apply to the court for a protection order without the assistance of 20
a parent, guardian or any other person.
(5) The application referred to in subsection (I) may be brought outside ordinary
court hours or on a day which is not an ordinary court day, if the court is satisfied that
the complainant may suffer undue hardship if the application is not dealt with
immediately. 25
(6) Supporting affidavits by persons who have knowledge of the matter concerned
may accompany the application.
(7) The application and affidavits must be lodged with the clerk of the court who shall
forthwith submit the application and affidavits to the court.

Consideration of application and issuing of interim protection order 30

5. (1) The court must as soon as is reasonably possible consider an application

submitted to it in terms of sectiotn 4(7) and may, for that purpose, consider such
additional evidence as it deems fit, including oral evidence or evidence by affidavit,
which shall form part of the record of the proceedings.
(2) If the court is satisfied that there is prima facie evidence that- 35
(a) the respondent is committing, or has committed an act of domestic violence;
and
(b) undue hardship may be rsuffered by the complainant as a result of such
domestic violence if a protection order is not issued immediately,
the court must, notwithstanding the fact that the respondent has not been given notice of 40
the proceedings contemplated in subsection (l), issue an interim protection order against
the respondent, in the prescribed manner.
(3) (a) An interim protection order must be served on the respondent in the prescribed
manner and must call upon the respondent to show cause on the return date specified in
the order why a protection order should not be issued. 45
(61 A copy of the application referred to in section 4( 1) and the record of any evidence
noted in terms of subsection (1) must be served on the respondent together with the
interim protection order.
(4) If the court does not issue an interim protection order in terms of subsection (2),
the court must direct the clerk of the court to cause certified copies of the application 50
concerned and any supporting affidavits to be served on the respondent in the prescribed
manner, together with a prescribed notice calling on the respondent to show cause on the
return date specified in the notice wlhy a protection order should not be issued.
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Act No. 116,1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 1998

(5) The return dates referred to in subsections (3)(a) and (4) may not be less than 10
days after service has been effected upon the respondent: Provided that the return date
referred to in subsection (3)(a) may be anticipated by the respondent upon not less than
24 hours’ written notice to the complainant and the court.
(6) An interim protection order shall have no force and effect until it has been served 5
on the respondent.
(7) Upon service or upon receipt of a return of service of an interim protection order,
the clerk of the court must forthwith cause-
(a) a certified copy of the interim protection order; and
(b) the original warrant of arrest contemplated in section 8(l)(u), 10
to be served on the complainant.

Issuing of protection order

6. (1) If the respondent does not appear on a return date contemplated in section 5(3)
or (4), and if the court is satisfied that-
(a) proper service has been effected on the respondent; and 15
(b) the application contains prima facie evidence that the respondent has
committed or is committing an act of domestic violence,
the court must issue a protection order in the prescribed form.
(2) If the respondent appears on the return date in order to oppose the issuing of a
protection order, the court must proceed to hear the matter and- 20
fa) consider any evidence previously received in terms of section 5(l); and
(b) consider such further affidavits or oral evidence as it may direct, which shall
form part of the record of the proceedings.
(3) The court may, on its own accord or on the request of the complainant, if it is of
the opinion that it is just or desirable to do so, order that in the examination of witnesses, 2.5
including the complainant, a respondent who is not represented by a legal representa-
tive-
(a) is not entitled to cross-examine directly a person who is in a domestic
relationship with the respondent; and
(b) shall put any question to such a witness by stating the question to the court, 30
and the court is to repeat the question accurately to the respondent.
(4) The court must. after a hearing as contemplated in subsection (2), issue a
protection order in the prescribed form if it finds, on a balance of probabilities, that the
respondent has committed or is committing an act of domestic violence.
(5) Upon the issuing of a protection order the clerk of the court must forthwith in the 35
prescribed manner cause-
(a) the original of such order to be served on the respondent; and
(b) a certified copy of such order, and the original warrant of arrest contemplated
in section 8(l)(a), to be served on the complainant.
(6) The clerk of the court must forthwith in the prescribed manner forward certified 40
copies of any protection order and of the warrant of arrest contemplated in section
8(l)(a) to the police station of the complainant’s choice.
(7) Subject to the provisions of section 7(7), a protection order issued in terms of this
section remains in force until it is set aside, and the execution of such order shall not be
automatically suspended upon the noting of an appeal. 45

Court’s powers in respect of protection order

7. (1) The court may, by means of a protection order referred to in section 5 or 6,

prohibit the respondent from-
committing any act of domestic violence;
enlisting the help of another person to commit any such act; 50
entering a residence shared by the complainant and the respondent: Provided
that the court may impose this prohibition only if it appears to be in the best
interests of the complainant;
entering a specified part of such a shared residence;
entering the complainant’s residence; 55
entering the complainant’s place of employment;
12 No. 19537 GO\‘ERNMENT GAZETTE, 2 DECEMBER 1998

Act No. 116,1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT. 1998

(8) preventing the complainant who ordinarily lives or lived in a shared residence
as contemplated in subparagraph (c) from entering or remaining in the shared
residence or a specified part of the shared residence; or
(h) committing any other act as specified in the protection order.
(2) The court may impose any additional conditions which it deems reasonably 5
necessary to protect and provide for the safety. health or wellbeing of the complainant,
including an order-
(u) to seize any arm or dangerous weapon in the possession or under the control
of the respondent, as contemplated in section 9; and
(6) that a peace officer must accompany the complainant to a specified place to 10
assist with arrangements regarding the collection of personal property.
(3) In ordering a prohibition contemplated in subsection l(c), the court may impose
on the respondent obligations as to the Idischarge of rent or mortgage payments having
regard to the financial needs and resources of the complainant and the respondent.
(4) The court may order the respondent to pay emergency monetary relief having 15
regard to the financial needs and resources of the complainant and the respondent, and
such order has the effect of a civil judgment of a magistrate’s court.
(5) (a) The physical address of the complainant must be omitted from the protection
order, unless the nature of the terms of the order necessitates the inclusion of such
address. 20
(b) The court may issue any directions to ensure that the complainant’s physical
address is not disclosed in any manner which may endanger the safety, health or
wellbeing of the complainant.
(6) If the court is satisfied that it is in the best interests of any child it may-
(a) refuse the respondent contact with such child; or 25
(b) order contact with such child on such conditions as it may consider
appropriate.
(7) (a) The court may not refuse-
(i) to issue a protection order; or
(ii) to impose any condition or make any order which it is competent to impose or 30
make under this section,
merely on the grounds that other legal remedies are available to the complainant.
(b) If the court is of the opinion that any provision of a protection order deals with a
matter that should, in the interests of justice, be dealt with further in terms of any other
relevant law, including the Maintenance Act, 1998, the court must order that such a 35
provision shall be in force for such limited period as the court determines, in order to
afford the party concerned the opportunity to seek appropriate relief in terms of such
law.

Warrant of arrest upon issuing of protection order

8. (1) Whenever a court issues a protection order, the court must make an order- 40
(a) authorising the issue of a warrant for the arrest of the respondent, in the
prescribed form; and
(b) suspending the execution of such warrant subject to compliance with any
prohibition, condition, obligation or order imposed in terms of section 7.
(2) The warrant referred to in subsection (l)(a) remains in force unless the protection 45
order is set aside, or it is cancelled after execution.
(3) The clerk of the court must issue the complainant with a second or further warrant
of arrest, if the complainant files an affidavit in the prescribed form in which it is stated
that such warrant is required for her or his protection and that the existing warrant of
arrest has been- 50
(a) executed and cancelled; or
(b) lost or destroyed.
(4) (a) A complainant may hand the warrant of arrest together with an affidavit in the
prescribed form, wherein it is stated that the respondent has contravened any
prohibition, condition, obligation or order contained in a protection order, to any 55
member of the South African Police Service.
14 No. 19537 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 2 DECEMBER 1998

Act No. 116,1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 1998

(b) If it appears to the member concerned that, subject to subsection (5), there are
reasonable grounds to suspect that the complainant may suffer imminent harm as a result
of the alleged breach of the protection order by the respondent, the member must
forthwith arrest the respondent for allegedly committing the offence referred to in
section 17(a). 5
(c) If the member concerned is of the opinion that there are insufficient grounds for
arresting the respondent in terms of paragraph (b), he or she must forthwith hand a
written notice to the respondent which--
(9 specifies the name, the residential address and the occupation or status of the
respondent; 10
(ii) calls upon the respondent to appear before a court, and on the date and at the
time, specified in the notice, on a charge of committing the offence referred to
in section 17(a); and
(iii) contains a certificate signed by the member concerned to the effect that he or
she handed the original notice to the respondent and that he or she explained 15
the import thereof to the respondent.
(d) The member must forthwith forward a duplicate original of a notice referred to in
paragraph (c) to the clerk of the court concerned, and the mere production in the court
of such a duplicate original shall be prima facie proof that the original thereof was
handed to the respondent specified therein. 20
(5) In considering whether or not the complainant may suffer imminent harm, as
contemplated in subsection (4)(b), the member of the South African Police Service must
take into account-
(a) the risk to the safety, health or wellbeing of the complainant;
(b) the seriousness of the conduct comprising an alleged breach of the protection 25
order; and
(c) the length of time since the alleged breach occurred.
(6) Whenever a warrant of arrest is handed to a member of the South African Police
Service in terms of subsection (4)(a), the member must inform the complainant of his or
her right to simultaneously lay a criminal charge against the respondent, if applicable, 30
and explain to the complainant how to lay such a charge.

Seizure of arms and dangerous weapons

9. (1) The court must order a member of the South African Police Service to seize any
arm or dangerous weapon in the possession or under the control of a respondent, if the
court is satisfied on the evidence placed before it, including any affidavits supporting an 35
application referred to in section 4( 1), that-
(a) the respondent has threatened or expressed the intention to kill or injure
himself or herself, or any person in a domestic relationship, whether or not by
means of such arm or dangerous weapon; or
(b) possession of such arm or dangerous weapon is not in the best interests of the 40
respondent or any other person in a domestic relationship, as a result of the
respondent’s-
(i) state of mind or mental condition;
(ii) inclination to violence; or
(iii) use of or dependence on intoxicating liquor or drugs. 45
(2) Any arm seized in terms of subsection (1) must be handed over to the holder of an
office in the South African Police Service as contemplated in section 11(2)(b) of the
Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969), and the court must direct the
clerk of the court to refer a copy of the record of the evidence concerned to the National
Commissioner of the South African Police Service for consideration in terms of section 50
11 of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969.
(3) Any dangerous weapon seized in terms of subsection (l)-
(4 -must-be given a-distinctive identification mark and‘retained in police custody
for such period of time as the court may determine; and
(W shall only be returned to the respondent or, if the respondent is not the owner 55
of the dangerous weapon, to the owner thereof, by order of the court and on
such conditions as the court rnay determine:
Provided that-
(i) if, in the opinion of the court, the value of the dangerous weapon so seized is
below R200; or 60
(ii) if the return of the dangerous weapon has not been ordered within 12 months
after it had been so seized; OI
16 No. 19537 GOVERSMENT GAZETTE, 2 DECEMBER 1998

Act No. 116,1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT. 1998

(iii)if the c our-t is satisfied that it is in the interest of the safety of any person
concerned,
the court may order that the dangerous weapon be forfeited to the State.

Variation or setting aside of protection order

10. (1) A complainant or a respondent may, upon written notice to the other party and 5
the court concerned, apply for the variation or setting aside of a protection order referred
to in section 6 in the prescribed manner.
(2) If the court is satisfied that good cause has been shown for the variation or setting
aside of the protection order, it may issue an order to this effect: Provided that the court
shall not grant such an application to the complainant unless it is satisfied that the 10
application is made freely and voluntarily.
(3) The clerk of the court must forward a notice as prescribed to the complainant and
the respondent if the protection order is varied or set aside as contemplated in subsection
(1).

Attendance of proceedings and prohibition of publication of certain information 15

11. (1) (a) No person may be present during any proceedings in terms of this Act
except-
(4 officers of the court;
W the parties to the proceedings;
(4 any person bringing an application on behalf of the complainant in terms of 20
section 4(3);
(4 any legal representative representing any party to the proceedings;
(4 witnesses;
0 not more than three persons for the purpose of providing support to the
complainant; 25
w not more than three persons for the purpose of providing support to the
respondent; and
(h) any other person whom the court permits to be present:
Provided that the court may, if it is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice, exclude
any person from attending any part of the proceedings. 30
(b) Nothing in this subsection limits any other power of the court to hear proceedings
irz camera or to exclude any person from attending such proceedings.
(2) (a) No person shall publish in any manner any information which might, directly
or indirectly, reveal the identity of any party to the proceedings.
(b) The court, if it is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice, may direct that any 35
further information relating to proceedings held in terms of this Act shall not be
published: Provided that no direction in terms of this subsection applies in respect of the
publication of a bonaJide law report which does not mention the names or reveal the
identities of the parties to the proceedings or of any witness at such proceedings.

Jurisdiction 40

12. (1) Any court within the area in which-

(u) the complainant permanently or temporarily resides, carries on business or is
employed;
(6) the respondent resides, carries on business or is employed; or
(c) the cause of action arose, 45
has jurisdiction to grant a protection order as contemplated in this Act.
(2) No specific minimum period is required in relation to subsection (l)(a).
(3) A protection order is enforceable throughout the Republic.

Service of documents

13. (1) Service of any document in terms of this Act must forthwith be effected in the 50
prescribed manner by the clerk of the court, the sheriff or a peace officer, or as the court
may direct.
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Act No. 116, 1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT. 1998

(2) The regulations contemplated in section 19 must make provision for financial
assistance by the State to a complainant or a respondent who does not have the means to
pay the fees of any service in terms of this Act.

Legal representation

14. Any party to proceedings in terms of this Act may be represented by a legal 5
representative.

costs

15. The court may only make an order as to costs against any party if it is satisfied that
such party has acted frivolously, vexatiously or unreasonably.

Appeal and review 10

16. The provisions in respect of appeal and review contemplated in the Magistrate’s
Courts Act, 1944 (Act No. 32 of 1944), and the Supreme Court Act, 1959 (Act No. 59
of 1959), apply to any proceedings in terms of this Act.

Offences

17. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any person who- 15
(u) contravenes any prohibition, condition, obligation or order imposed in terms
of section 7;
(6) contravenes the provisions of section 1 1(2)(a);
(c) fails to comply with any direction in terms of the provisions of section
11(2)(b); or 20
(d) in an affidavit referred to section 8(4)(a), wilfully makes a false statement in
a material respect,
is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction in the case of an offence referred to in
paragraph (a) to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both
such fine and such imprisonment, and in the case of an offence contemplated in 25
paragraph (b), (c), or (d), to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years
or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

Application of Act by prosecuting authority and members of South African Police

Service

18. (1) No prosecutor shall- 30

(a) refuse to institute a prosecution; or
(b) withdraw a charge,
in respect of a contravention of section 17(a), unless he or she has been authorised
thereto, whether in general or in any specific case, by a Director of Public Prosecutions
as contemplated in section 13(l)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 35
(Act No. 32 of 1998), or a senior member of the prosecuting authority designated thereto
in writing by such a Director.
(2) The National Director of Public Prosecutions referred to in section 10 of the
National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998, in consultation with the Minister of Justice
and after consultation with the Directors of Public Prosecutions, must determine 40
prosecution policy and issue policy directives regarding any offence arising from an
incident of domestic violence.
(3) The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service must issue
national instructions as contemplated in section 25 of the South African Police Service
Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995), with which its members must comply in the execution 45
of their functions in terms of this Act, and any instructions so issued must be published
in the Gazette.
(4) (a) Failure by a member of the South African Police Service to comply with an
obligation imposed in terms of this Act or the national instructions referred to in
subsection (3), constitutes misconduct as contemplated in the South African Police 50
Service Act, 1995, and the Independent Complaints Directorate, established in terms of
that Act, must forthwith be informed of any such failure reported to the South African
Police Service.
20 IQ. 19537 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 2 DECEMBER 1998

Act No. 116, 1998 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 1998

(0) Unless the Independent Complaints Directorate directs otherwise in any specific
case, the South African Police Service must institute disciplinary proceedings against
any member who allegedly failed to comply with an obligation referred to in paragraph
((0.
(5) (II) The National Director of Public Prosecutions must submit any prosecution 5
policy and policy directives determined or issued in terms of subsection (2) to
Parliament, and the first policy and directives so determined or issued, must be
submitted to Parliament within six months of the commencement of this Act.
(h) The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service must submit any
national instructions issued in terms of subsection (3) to Parliament, and the first 10
instructions so issued, must be submitted to Parliament within six months of the
commencement of this Act.
(c) The Independent Complaints Directorate must, every six months, submit a report
to Parliament regarding the number and particulars of matters reported to it in terms of
subsection (4)(a), and setting out the recommendations made in respect of such matters. 15
(n) The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service must, every six
months, submit a report to Parliament regarding-
(9 the number and particulars of-complaints received against its members in
respect of any failure contemplated in subsection (4)(a);
(ii) the disciplinary proceedings instituted as a result thereof and the decisions 20
which emanated from such proceedings; and
(iii) steps taken as a result of recommendations made by the Independent
Complaints Directorate.

Regulations

19. (1) The Minister of Justice may mdke regulations regarding- 25

(a) any form required to be prescribed in terms of this Act;
(b) any matter required to be prescribed in terms of this Act; and
((*) any other matter which the Minister deems necessary or expedient to be
prescribed in order to achieve the objects of this Act.
(2) Any regulation made under subsection (I)- 30
(a) must be submitted to Parliament prior to publication thereof in the Gazette;
(h) which may result in expenditure for the State, must be made in consultation
with the Minister of Finance; and
((.) may provide that any person who contravenes a provision thereof or fails to
comply therewith shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction be liable to 35
a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year.

Amendment of section 40 of Act 51 of 1977, as amended by section 41 of Act 129 of

1993 and section 4 of Act 18 of 1996

20. Section 40 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, is hereby amended by the
addition in subsection (1) of the following paragraph: 40
“(4) who is reasonably suspected of having committed an act of domestic
violence as contemplated in section (I) of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998,
which constitutes an offence in respect of which violence is an element.“.

Repeal of laws and savings

21. (1) Sections 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 of the Prevention of Family Violence Act, 1993 (Act 45
No. I33 of 1993), are hereby repealed.
(2) Any application made, proceedings instituted or interdict granted in terms of the
Act referred to in subsection (I) shall be deemed to have been made, instituted or
granted in terms,of this Act.

Short title and commencement 50

22. This Act shall be called the Domestic Violence Act, 1998, and comes into
operation on a date fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette.