NCJ Number
144208
Date Published
1985
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This study of detention and torture in South Africa was conducted through interviews with former detainees; the interview questionnaire elicited information on modes of harassment prior to detention, physical conditions of internment, and physical and psychological treatment during detention, as well as standard demographic data.
Abstract
The study sample included 176 cases of detention, 145 males and 31 females. At the time of the study, most respondents were associated with student organizations, trade unions, community work, and political organizations. Overall, study findings showed that physical and psychological forms of torture are practiced systematically in South Africa, as part of security law detention. All respondents reported being subjected to some form of psychological coercion, while 83 percent claimed they suffered some form of physical abuse. About 80 percent of the sample claimed to have been subjected to solitary confinement. The range of different forms of torture, both physical and psychological, was extensive. Further, the experience of detention was stressful; many had been detained more than once and nearly 20 percent experienced interrogation sessions in excess of 8 hours. Demographic variations in study findings were observed, suggesting that the severity of torture differed regionally. Recommendations to eliminate torture from South Africa's detention system and to protect the rights of detained persons are offered. 49 notes and references and 12 tables