Background Petty offences are minor offences for which the punishment is prescribed by law to carry a warning, community service, a low-value fine or short term of imprisonment, often for…
Staff Writer15 Jul 2021
Factual Background One of the enduring legacies of colonialism in Africa is the police practice of arbitrary mass arrests. These so-called ‘sweeping’ or ‘swooping’ exercises are typically conducted by police…
Staff Writer21 Feb 2019
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Commission) has recognised that the declassification and decriminalisation of petty offences is an important human rights issue. A Side Event on the…
Staff Writer31 Oct 2017
The Nation Victor Mhango and Anneke Meerkotter In January 2017, the Malawi High Court, in the case of Mayeso Gwanda, made a finding that would have reverberations throughout Africa. It…
Staff Writer18 Oct 2017