(1) The court shall take cognisance of the criminal record and all other information concerning
the character of the accused only after he has been found guilty.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section 1 above, when in the course of a hearing the
accused puts his good character in issue, or challenges the character of a prosecution
witness, the prosecution may, at the hearing, adduce evidence of his bad character by
producing all available information in its possession in proof thereof. In such a case, the
judgment shall mention that it was the accused person who first adduced evidence of his good
character or challenged the character of a prosecution witness.
Official text
Spot-checked
In force from 27 July 2005
Source page 74