The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein will hear arguments on the legality of euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Spokesperson for the department of Justice and Correctional Services Mthunzi Mhanga says ending the life of patient is illegal in the South African constitution.

He says taking life of a human being is a criminal offense according to South African law and from the ethical point of view a doctor is supposed to preserve life of a patient than ending it.

Mhanga says this kind of case has gained uncontrolled free flow window where other patients will use the judgment as a preference.

The Minister of Justice Michael Masutha is appealing the North Gauteng High Court ruling.