Assistance to victims of crime

When you are a victim of a criminal act, you are at the mercy of the criminal system and how it is applied by law enforcement officials, be it the SAPS and/or prosecutors and the like. Be extremely careful what these officials will tell you and they will tell you a lot of stories. One story is that you don't need a lawyer to assist you - they will do that!

It is not the whole truth; only partially truthful. Of course you may sail it solo - at your peril.  And there are thousands who do exactly that - they go it alone, unassisted and without any knowledge of what to expect.

I strongly advise that you get to a lawyer sooner rather than later; and that better be a lawyer who knows criminal law and how it functions.

Why do I say that? Of course it will cost you money - we don't work for free. I say it because you will get advice on what to expect and what might happen.

For most people it is their first brush with criminal law and its strange procedures and that is daunting if not outright frightening. You are stressed out of your mind already and on top of it, it appears as if everything in life is now and forever against you.

Get it over and done with and consult your own lawyer - he should be able to guide you through the processes.

There might be identification parades, physical examinations and bail applications. In the unfortunate situation where someone was raped, the victim is prone to physical examinations to enable the medical practitioner to assemble a rape kit. If there was a burglary, even you and your family's fingerprints will have to be taken. Murder is something else - extremely traumatic and cumbersome.

Are all of these things necessary? Yes - that's how criminal matters are being investigated. And you are involved in it – I recommend that you get some advice to enable you to cope with the unknown.

Don't ever consult the lawyer who is acting on behalf of the suspect/accused!! That is so obvious, isn't it? Or is it?

My experience dictates that people who are knowledgeable are better equipped to deal with the situation and the things that might or might not happen in their matters.

I urge you to take this advice seriously and consult soonest.

If you want to consult me, we can arrange a Skype consultation; my Skype address is: neels.coertse; my e-mail address: neelscoertse@wirelessza.co.zaOffice number: 011-463-4049.