This paper describes developments since the oral statement by AI delivered to the UN Commission on Human rights in February 1991 (see AFR 53/05/91). AI remains concerned that laws permitting indefinite, incommunicado detention without charge or trial and giving indemnity against prosecution to the security forces remain in force. Two people, Donald Madisha, a 26- year-old teacher and Mbuyiselo “Nixon” Phiri, aged 16, died in 1990 while detained incommunicado. An inquest into the latter’s death ruled that nobody could be held responsible. AI is also concerned that 9 officers being prosecuted for murders in Sebokeng in March 1990 remain on duty pending the result of the prosecution and about allegations of police complicity in violence against ANC members and others.
