Proposed amendments to Bail Bill, 2024, seek to limit delays in bail proceedings and restrict how long accused persons can be remanded in custody.
The amendments, listed for consideration in the National Assembly tomorrow, propose that courts should not postpone bail hearings for more than 14 days unless the accused consents or the court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for a longer postponement.
The proposed changes to be moved by Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi also provide that accused persons should not be remanded for more than 30 days when not in custody, or 15 days when in custody, under the provision on remands.
The amendments further outline circumstances in which courts may adjourn or postpone bail proceedings, including exceptional circumstances, the unavailability of the court or interested persons, and situations where an inquiry cannot practicably be completed without keeping an accused in custody.
The proposals are contained in an order paper for tomorrow’s parliamentary business and are subject to consideration by Parliament.
