Review of Existing Mechanisms for the Prevention and Investigation of Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment in South Africa

This report is designed to assist civil society and South African institutions in deciding what body or institutions could appropriately fulfil the task of visiting all places of detention regularly to make recommendations and proposals to prevent torture. It is intended as a starting point for consultation. The report further suggests that South Africa should start with considering the strengths and weaknesses of its own domestic models of oversight. Which institutions currently function well and why? This may be determined not just by an institution's legal powers, organizational mandate and resources (although these are important factors) but also by the extra ingredients of political will and skilled leadership.