Self Defense Legal Guidelines

Summary

In South Africa, self-defense can be a valid legal defense if you can prove that your actions were necessary to protect yourself from imminent harm. However, the force used must be proportional to the threat faced. If you are facing potential charges after retaliating in a fight, it is crucial to gather evidence of the initial attacks and any threats made against you. Document injuries and seek witness statements if possible. Consulting with a local attorney who specializes in criminal defense is advisable to navigate the legal process and build a strong defense. They can provide guidance on how to present your case effectively and ensure your rights are protected.

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Sino
Hi Sino! How can I assist you with your legal issue today? Any details you can provide will help me guide you better.
Two weeks back I got into a fight and I got stabbed on my face and chest but I didn't go to the clinic I self medicated. I was out at a place eBaleni drinking with friends and these other guys started mocking me and calling me a cheese boy. I then told the one who was talking not to call me that, i doing so led to me being hit by this guy but i overpowered him and chased then he got the chance to stab me. I didn't open a case for them or him. Now this past Sunday morning those guys again beat me up and tried stabbing me but i blocked with my hand and they slit my wrist. I did not fight back. I then went to the clinic with my face bruised, wrist slit and bleeding and my clothes full of blood. I got stitched at the clinic I came back home and I changed and I took a knife for protection. I went out and I saw those guys at the same street where I leave and the one that stabbed the first was pointing, mocking and laughing at me. I then lost it I started going after them and I was able to get to him and stab him + the knife broke inside him and he was rushed to hospital. Now I wanna know according to South African law how can I defend myself if the guy opens a case against me because it seems he's been targeting me and recruited his friends to hang up on me. I never spoke with them before or start any fight with them. They started it
Two weeks back I got into a fight and I got stabbed on my face and chest but I didn't go to the clinic I self medicated. I was out at a place eBaleni drinking with friends and these other guys started mocking me and calling me a cheese boy. I then told the one who was talking not to call me that, i doing so led to me being hit by this guy but i overpowered him and chased then he got the chance to stab me. I didn't open a case for them or him. Now this past Sunday morning those guys again beat me up and tried stabbing me but i blocked with my hand and they slit my wrist. I did not fight back. I then went to the clinic with my face bruised, wrist slit and bleeding and my clothes full of blood. I got stitched at the clinic I came back home and I changed and I took a knife for protection. I went out and I saw those guys at the same street where I leave and the one that stabbed the first was pointing, mocking and laughing at me. I then lost it I started going after them and I was able to get to him and stab him + the knife broke inside him and he was rushed to hospital. Now I wanna know according to South African law how can I defend myself if the guy opens a case against me because it seems he's been targeting me and recruited his friends to hang up on me? I never spoke with them before or start any fight with them. They started it