The Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Act, 2025, is now law, after President Christine Kangaloo assented to the legislation, according to a media release yesterday from the Office of the Prime Minister.
The act, numbered 11 of 2025, establishes the offence of home invasion and affirms the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, their families and their property within their dwelling house.
Anyone convicted of a home invasion will face up to 25 years in prison or a fine of $750,000.
The Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, was passed in the House of Representatives on November 26, before being approved in the Senate on December 5, without amendments.
The legislation removes any duty to retreat when a person acts in self-defence or in defence of property and allows the use of reasonable defensive force, including deadly force where necessary, to protect life and property.
The Office of the Prime Minister said the law responds to public concern over violent home invasions and aims to strengthen public safety and protection for families.
The President also assented to the Summary Offences (Amendment) Act, 2025, Act No 13 of 2025, which amends the Summary Offences Act to strengthen measures addressing noise pollution and the indiscriminate use of fireworks.
According to the release, the amendments seek to address the impact of excessive noise and unregulated fireworks on public health, safety and community well-being, including effects on vulnerable individuals and animals.
The Office of the Prime Minister said the assent of both acts forms part of ongoing efforts to address crime, public disorder and community well-being.
