Rape Sentencing Laws in Uk and South Africa

[laura7112]

i'm not sure if it is available on the net, i've had a good look but found nothing, except for laws until 1994. in 1994 i think it was, the laws in south africa all changed to do with mandela and the end of apartheid and whatwhat.

i really want to know how it works in south africa. if someone was raped and there is a dna test kit done, and the guy is caught and confesses to the rape, and strangulation. what can he be imprisoned for? would the only charge be rape? and do you know what the minimum and maximum sentences are for that or anything else he could be charged with?

also, is it true that if the jury have one thought that it could be possible it didnt happen, is it true that then the case is thrown out? would dna tests be rushed on if the guy was caught and a trial would be held? would there be a trial if he admitted it already? and can he change his mind and say he now isn't guilty?
i've no idea if UK laws are at all similar to South African laws, it is the South African ones i need to know really. and i don't know if the sentencing depends on things like age, previous conviction or stuff like that.

i know this is all a bit jumbled, sorry. and also i don't know if i posted it in the right place, sorry.

thanks in advance, laura.

[diana_holbourn]

I don't know the answers to any of your questions, but I came across a website for rape survivors in South Africa which might have some useful information on it: http://www.speakout.org.za/legal/main.html

[laura7112]

thanks for your help, i've been looking at the site and it is quite useful, thankyou. hopefully i will find out soon from SA about their side of things.

kind wishes,

laura.