The practice of torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment (CIDT) remains a major human rights violation in post-apartheid South Africa. Currently, there is little information on patterns and trends of torture in South Africa. This research report seeks to fill this gap, analysing data collected and annual reports released by two government oversight bodies, namely, the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services
(JICS) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), over a period of five years (2007 to 2011) to try to understand patterns of torture and CIDT. The key aims of the study were as follows: To look at cases of torture and CIDT based on the available information in the reports published by IPID and JICS over the last five years (2007 to 2011); to assess and review IPID’s and JICS’ present reporting mechanisms of torture and CIDT; to conduct interviews with key individuals within these institutions to get more information on patterns and trends of torture and CIDT and how these cases are recorded and classified.
