A critical analysis of the format to obtain cell phone records in terms of Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977

Abstract

In this study, the researcher critically analyses the format to obtain cell phone records in terms of Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act (No. 51 of 1977). The format to obtain cell phone records plays a vital role in the investigation of crime. To determine the importance of this format, the researcher has formulated the following research questions to address the research problem: • What are the objectives of investigation? • Which format should be used to obtain cell phone records in terms of Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act (No. 51 of 1977)? A qualitative research design approach was adopted in this study. National and international sources of literature were consulted, in conjunction with semi-structured interviews conducted with Network Service Provider Forensic Personnel from Johannesburg and prosecutors from the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit in Pretoria. The format to obtain cell phone records in terms of Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act (No. 51 of 1977) was formulated. A range of recommendations were proposed for more investigation on issues highlighted in the findings.