Moumakwa_TR

A high percentage of crime in South Africa is committed by children and this is a disturbing factor. Prior to 1994 children who committed crimes were treated in the same way as adults who were arrested. In 1995, new legislation was drafted which made provisions that children in conflict with the law must be treated differently from adult criminals. This amendment of apartheid laws allowed for children to be removed from adult prisons and allowed them to be detained under supervision in juvenile facilities, often with their parents. Such a restorative justice system made provisions for the development of Child Justice Act No. 75 of 2008. This
Act enshrines the rights of children who are in conflict with the law. The act also made provisions for the establishment of secure care centres; institutions meant for the detention of juvenile offenders. The centres were established to rehabilitate children and ensure their safety from the community and from themselves.