Torture occurs in many contexts and it is not an act that happens in isolation. There are several techniques and means by which pain and suffering are inflicted on suspects, convicted inmates and others deprived of their liberty. This policy brief highlights how African law-enforcement agencies or government security forces potentially misuse electric shock equipment in a way that contravenes international and continental anti-torture frameworks. It then discusses reported cases of such misuse in South Africa. Finally, recommendations are made on how the use of electric shock equipment
on the continent could be curbed, along with ways to build on efforts to
prohibit and prevent torture.
