Cybercrimes Act, 2020 · Section 18
Competent Verdicts
Section 18 deals with circumstances where the evidence proves an offence under section 17 rather than the offence originally charged.
What the section does
Section 18 allows a competent verdict where the evidence in criminal proceedings does not prove the offence charged but does prove a contravention of section 17 in respect of that offence or another offence for which the accused may lawfully be convicted.
Key points
- The provision operates within criminal proceedings.
- The evidence must establish the relevant section 17 offence.
- It concerns what verdict a court may return where the evidence does not establish the original charge but establishes another legally available offence.
What this means in practice
This is a court-process provision rather than a rule that creates a new everyday cybercrime.
Important
This page is an educational explanation of the Cybercrimes Act. It is not legal advice and does not replace the Act, regulations, court decisions or advice from a qualified legal professional.
Official source
Read the official Cybercrimes Act from the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Cybercrimes Act, 2020 — official PDF