The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation has warned that the use of heavy-handed tactics by police, during the questioning of suspects, may backfire.
It is alleged that 14 members of the Hawks tortured a Cape Town man earlier this month during an interrogation.
The crime fighting unit was investigating the murder of a school principal in the New Crossroads area — five suspects have since been arrested in connection with the killing.
The Hawks officials are also being investigated after a man died earlier this year. Sidwell Mkwambi was allegedly tortured to death.
"In terms of the legal reputation of the police, allegations of torture are used by suspects in court to discredit confession evidence," explained the centre's David Bruce.
In iafrica.com
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
