Persistent Shadow of Torture: Analyzing Police Brutality in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Despite efforts to eliminate torture in South Africa, a disturbing form of abuse known as “tubing” has been uncovered through a comprehensive analysis of police misconduct complaints, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the nation in safeguarding human rights.

In a striking revelation, an investigation conducted by The New York Times demonstrates that a form of torture practiced during South Africa's apartheid era still persists within its police force. This brutal method, known as "tubing," continues to be reported, despite the country's transition to democracy and the establishment of laws intended to eradicate such inhumane practices. Originally, tubing involved police officers using a tire tube to suffocate victims; however, modern practices have evolved to using plastic bags, which serve the same torturous purpose.

Collaborating with Viewfinder, a South African journalism nonprofit, The Times analyzed a vast dataset of police complaints, uncovering approximately 1,700 reports of tubing over an 11-year span—though experts suggest the actual number could be much higher, as many victims choose not to come forward. These findings paint a troubling picture: a government that once championed freedom for marginalized Black South Africans now oversees a police force that perpetrates acts of torture against them.

The persistence of such brutality raises profound questions about law enforcement accountability in a nation hailed for its commitment to human rights, exemplified by figures like Nelson Mandela. As South Africa grapples with its complicated legacy, the findings emphasize the urgent need for reform within the police system to ensure that the human rights of all citizens are upheld, and to prevent torture from continuing to tarnish the country’s democratic ideals.