Image: South african flag by joggi is licensed under CC-BY-NC.
Police Brutality
Police brutality has been a widely talked about subject in South Africa since the days of Apartheid. Heavy use of police force has resulted in serious injuries and tragic deaths in South Africa for years. Many disturbing videos also show poor treatment of citizens being held in custody. Much like the issues that concern the other countries, the treatment of black South Africans throughout history by police has been unjust and more violent than the treatment of whites which suggests the presence of white freedom in the structure of the police in South Africa.
Police Brutality Stories
Sharpeville Massacre - On March 21, 1960, police officers opened fire on a group of people peacefully protesting oppressive pass laws. The shooting took place in a black township and it killed 69 people. March 21 is now recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. (Mcrae) Marikana Massacre - In August of 2012 police murdered 34 striking mineworkers who were protesting for higher wages. It was the bloodiest use of police force since Apartheid. To remember the story of the victims Marikana: The Musical was made to tell the story and uncover the truths behind the tragedy. (Conway-Smith 2014) Eldorado Park Shooting - On August 26, 2020 and innocent teenager, Nathaniel Julies, Julies, who was colored and also had down's syndrome, was shot dead by police while he was on his way to buy biscuits for his family. He was just a few meters from his house. Citizens across Johannesburg held protests for this unjust killing of an innocent 16 year old boy. (McKaiser 2020) |
Marikana Remembrance Banner
Image: Church on Green Market Square Marikana (cropped) by Discott is licensed under CC-BY-SA.
|
Statistics: Police Brutality
At least one person dies each day due to police action in South Africa. (Viewfinder)
Imprisonment Problems
Imprisonment in South Africa has been a widely discussed problem for many decades. Throughout the years there has been many problems revealed about the South African prison system. These problems include poor prison conditions, neglected medical services and high population rates (Goldberg 2016).
These poor prison conditions have been neglected in South Africa which has led to turmoil between citizens and government. Numerous protests to raise awareness for overpopulation in prisons, as well as harsh treatment from police has led to many arrests in the country.
These poor prison conditions have been neglected in South Africa which has led to turmoil between citizens and government. Numerous protests to raise awareness for overpopulation in prisons, as well as harsh treatment from police has led to many arrests in the country.
Statistics: Prison Population Rates
For Reference: The world prison population rate based on the United Nations is 144 per 100,000. (Walmsley 2015)
Prison Population Rate in 1970
(World Prison Brief)
|
Prison Population Rate in 1985
(World Prison Brief)
|
Prison Population Rate in 2010
(World Prison Brief)
|
Examples of Police Brutality and Poor Prison Conditions
South African man shown being punched, kicked and thrown around by police while handcuffed.
Video: “South African police brutality caught on camera #BBCTrending - BBC News,” YouTube Video, 01:27, March 11, 2014, https://youtu.be/Y4sh_NLYVVg.
|
CNN provides a deeper look into the poor prison conditions in South Africa by visiting one of the most notorious prisons.
Video: CNN, “Inside South Africa’s notorius Pollsmoor prison,” Youtube video, 02:24, February 24, 2016, https://youtu.be/os5DE77bvs8.
|
Stories Told Through Hip Hop
Ndodemnyama (Free South Africa) talks about the struggle that black South Africans had to face while fighting for freedom.
Video: Zeke62 Nostalgia, “Ndodemnyama (Free South Africa) 1989 Hip-Hop Against Apartheid,” YouTube video, 09:24, January 18, 2016, https://youtu.be/FymC75YuiWs.