In brief
A recent investigation by The New York Times highlights the alarming continuity of “tubing” torture within South African policing, with roots tracing back to apartheid methods. This report sheds light on the stark contrast between South Africa’s human rights aspirations and the treatment of marginalized communities.
As South Africa commemorates three decades since the end of apartheid, a distressing report reveals that certain torture methods employed during that era remain shockingly prevalent in the country's police force. A recent analysis by The New York Times—conducted in partnership with the South African nonprofit Viewfinder—has uncovered a sustained practice known as "tubing," which involves the suffocation of individuals using plastic bags.Originally associated with the brutal regime of apartheid, tubing involves covering a person’s head with a protective barrier to restrict airflow. Although governmental measures have been put in place to outlaw such practices, the investigation identified around 1,700 complaints alleging tubing incidents over an 11-year span, indicating systemic issues within law enforcement. Experts note that the actual number may be much higher due to the hesitance of victims to come forward.The findings point to a disheartening reality: the very police force entrusted with safeguarding the rights of citizens is perpetuating the cycle of violence that freedom fighters once sought to dismantle. As South Africa aims to build a nation founded on the principles of justice and equality, incidents of torture cast a long shadow over its progress, raising urgent questions about transparency, accountability, and systemic reform in maintaining public safety and human rights for all communities.
