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Lawyers for Human Rights has called for an immediate investigation into allegations of severe assault and torture at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria.

In a letter sent to the station commander of the Pretoria Central Police Station on Tuesday, LHR details incidents of abuse against 16 inmates by correctional officials. Some of these inmates are witnesses to the alleged murder of another inmate by correctional officials.

LHR’s Penal Reform Programme was prompted to call for the investigation after receiving an increasing number of complaints of severe assault. It appears that the alleged incidents of assault have, for the most part, occurred during purported search and seizure operations.

“If we are to prevent incidents of assault and torture, which our international obligations indeed require of us, then the criminal prosecution of those responsible for assaults and torture is vital,” said LHR’s Clare Ballard.

As it stands, if an inmate wishes to open a case with the police, the request must first go through correctional officials. It is this communication gap between police and inmates that LHR hopes to address.

LHR will now give police an opportunity to investigate the allegations and monitor progress.

Issued by Lawyers for Human Rights