What is A Citizen’s Arrest ?
A citizen’s arrest is an arrest made by a private citizen – that is, a person who is not acting as a sworn law-enforcement official.
In common law jurisdictions, the practice dates back to medieval England and the English common law, in which sheriffs encouraged ordinary citizens to help apprehend law breakers.
How To Make A Citizen’s Arrest In South Africa?
- In some states you must communicate to the individual the specific criminal offense for which the individual is being arrested for.
- Leave it to the police to read the person his or her rights. For now, you only need to say that you’re making an arrest.
When did citizen’s arrest start?
A citizen’s arrest is an arrest made by a private citizen – that is, a person who is not acting as a sworn law-enforcement official.
What crimes can you make a citizen’s arrest for?
According to the law, anyone can arrest a person committing an indictable offence. They can also arrest someone if they reasonable grounds to suspect they are committing an indictable offence.
An indictable offence can land a person in Crown Court so it has to be a serious crime such as burglary or a violent offence.