Cases of assault have been listed as a result of alcohol abuse; family or workplace disputes; clashes between tenants and landlords; problems in relationships; school fights and violence in the home. Whether offenders are prosecuted is decided by the prosecutor’s office and in cases of both parties in a dispute being assaulted, both parties will be criminally prosecuted, regardless of who instigated the fight.
A fine, imprisonment or both may be imposed if convicted of assault, leaving the perpetrator with permanent criminal record.
Perpetrators may also be liable for the medical expenses of their victim, including disability payments, where applicable. If an assault victim dies as a result of their injuries, the attacker may be charged with murder or culpable homicide.
Contact the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) on 031-303-2202 or 031-202-2421 or Alcoholics Anonymous on 031-304-1826 for assistance in alcohol-related assaults. Victims of assaults in the workplace should contact their union or the CCMA. The Rental Tribunal Act should be referred to in cases of landlord or tenant complaints and a tribunal by the Department of Education will handle cases of assault in schools.
