[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by valo403

I don't think it really matters, they're presenting evidence they've gathered, not really formulating arguments based upon the law. All of that evidence would be readily available to both sides for trial so the timing shouldn't be an issue.

I'd say the likely reason that they're presenting so much evidence in a bail hearing is that the restrictions on someone who has a strong case for premeditated murder against them are likely much more severe than someone who is likely going to get nothing more than a manslaughter conviction, if that. They may also have something like a Grand Jury in the US, where charges need to be presented and substantiated before an indictment.

Apparently, there is no 1st or 2nd degree murder/manslaughter in SA. I don't know this for fact, but it's what I am told.