In a country that fought valiantly against apartheid, a disturbing legacy has emerged from within its police force, now accused of continuing brutal interrogation practices reminiscent of the oppressive era. A recent analysis conducted by The New York Times in collaboration with Viewfinder, a South African journalism nonprofit, reveals the alarming use of "tubing" as a method of interrogation, a technique that involves suffocating individuals, often with plastic bags.
Between 2012 and 2023, an average of three complaints per week have been lodged by individuals claiming to have been subjected to this method during police questioning. This starkly contrasts with the democratic ideals promised after the end of apartheid, as the nation’s constitution expressly prohibits such acts of torture and acknowledges international agreements to prevent them.
The findings have triggered an emotional response from former activists, such as Khulu Mbatha, a prominent figure in the African National Congress (ANC). He expressed disbelief that a government once heralded for liberating Black South Africans could preside over a police force that resorts to tactics reminiscent of their former oppressors. “This brings back very, very, very bad memories,” he lamented, underscoring the betrayal felt by many who fought for a just and equitable society.
As South Africa grapples with high crime rates and public safety concerns, this analysis shines a light on the unsettling question of how far the country has truly moved beyond its painful past. The revelations serve as a grim reminder that the tenets of human dignity and respect remain under threat, even amidst a government sworn to protect them.
