Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act must be applied carefully to prevent abuse by criminals: Erasmus
Delivering judgment in the Joshlin Smith matter on Wednesday, Erasmus warned that the provision should not become a tool for offenders to escape accountability, but rather a means to serve justice.
ALSO READ: Joshlin Smith: NPA welcomes court's dismissal of kidnappers' bid to appeal convictions, sentences
"It should not be used as a tool for people that commit criminal conduct to hide behind. Hence, the decision for the prosecution to use this tool and request the court to apply it must be considered carefully."
State witness Lourentia Lombaard was granted immunity from prosecution on Tuesday after Erasmus ruled that her testimony played a key role in securing conviction for her co-accused in the matter.
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