Relevant data were retrieved by means of a predesigned questionnaire from the files of a sample of female accused who were referred to the forensic unit of Valkenberg hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Analysis showed that the majority of women referred were not considered mentally ill in terms of the relevant act. One of the main questions than arising concerned the reason for their initial referral to the hospital. Other factors highlighted in the findings related to various differences between the two racial groups examined and pointed to certain ambiguities in the legal process of referral. 2 tables and 20 notes. (Author abstract modified)