If, in the exercise of the right of private defence against an assault which causes the defender to reasonably believe that death would be caused to him or to any other person and the defender is so situated that he cannot effectually exercise that right without risk of harm to an innocent person, his right of private defence extends to the running of that risk.
Section history
Section 100 — Right of private defence against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person
As in force on 24 March 2025.
Timeline 4 versions
- 30 March 1987 Enacted
- 1 February 2008 Act 51 of 2007
- 1 January 2020 Act 15 of 2019
- 24 March 2025 You are here
- 17 August 2026 Latest
Illustration
A is attacked by a mob who attempt to murder him. A cannot effectually exercise his right of private defence without firing on the mob, and he cannot fire without risk of harming young children who are mingled with the mob. A commits no offence if by so firing he harms any of the children.