South Africa: Tools of Torture - South Africa's Trade in Electric Shock Equipment

analysis

In South Africa, various types of electric shock devices are authorised for use by law enforcement officials. These include stun belts, stun shields, stun batons, stun guns and projectile electric shock weapons. However, across the world, the use of such devices by law enforcement officials has been associated with serious abuses, which result in torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, injury, and even death.

These devices are often perceived as less-lethal alternatives to firearms. But there is a gap in South African legislation regarding the control of these and other types of law enforcement equipment that can facilitate torture and ill treatment.

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