The Wits Justice Project investigates miscarriages of justice and raises awareness of issues within the criminal justice system with an aim to advocate for change, strengthen procedures and build on reform efforts. This is achieved through investigative journalism, advocacy, research and education.
Investigative Journalism
Police time and money go to pot
Mail and Guardian
If dagga is decriminalised, R3.5-billion could be invested annually in serious crimes. It may take some of the pressure off the clogged-up court system, an overburdened police force, severely overcrowded prisons and see more successful prosecutions for murders such as that of Karabo Mokoena.
A history of American lynchings
A soil collection project is commemorating the forgotten victims of lynching and helping to tell their stories.
Op-Ed: The contrition clause of parole
Daily Maverick
While the parole system or parole boards cannot fix a wrongful conviction, the “contrition” requirement in the parole process currently functions as a quid pro quo for release. This is disproportionately punitive towards people who still maintain their innocence.
Outreach & Education
Public Engagement
Community outreach
Multimedia
Art for Justice
Citizen Justice Network Radio
Inmate Support
Reporting wrongful conviction,
Reporting abuse / rape,
Reporting poor conditions
Insights
We're Hiring! The WJP is looking for interns
The Wits Justice Project seeks to appoint a Journalism Intern, based in Johannesburg.
Sonke Gender Justice lament lack of forward thinking in Government's Response to Pollsmoor Judgement
Sonke Gender Justice have sent an answering affidavit to the Government's response to the Western Cape High Court on their Pollsmoor court order, saying that more needs to be done with regard to the inhumane conditions that exist which can't be addressed by simply reducing overcrowding.
Rhodes Park ruling highlights disparities in the Criminal Justice System
The three men accused of the Rhodes Park attacks in Johannesburg have been sentenced, but has the large media attention surrounding the case put pressure on the judge to perform?
