House arrest is the term used in South Africa to refer to a sentence of imprisonment that is served in the offender’s home.
House arrest can be imposed for various reasons, including as part of a sentence for an offence where the offender is not considered dangerous. The sentence can also be imposed on people who are too ill or too old to serve their time in prison.
It can also be imposed on someone who has been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment but who cannot be immediately taken into custody because they are suffering from some kind of illness or are in hospital.
How does house arrest work in South Africa?
House arrest is a sentence for people who are convicted of a crime.
The person does not have to stay in prison, but they are not allowed to leave the house.
Their movements are restricted and they must wear an ankle monitor to track them.
This sentence is usually given to people who have been convicted of minor crimes or those who have been sentenced to a short time in prison.
What are your financial obligations as a house arrestee in South Africa?
The South African National Department of Correctional Services has different financial obligations for house arrestees. They are set out in the Correctional Services Act, of 1998.
House arrestees have to pay a monthly fee of R150 per month to the Department of Correctional Services. This fee is called the “House Arrest Fee” and it pays for accommodation, food, upkeep and maintenance of the property where they are staying as well as other services that they need.
House arrestees also have to pay a “Community Service Fee” which is an amount equal to their monthly fee multiplied by the number of hours per week that they are required to perform community service at a rate of R30 per hour. This fee pays for supervision and monitoring during community service hours.
