Acts of police brutality are counter democracy: expert
A researcher says police brutality is a consequence of a violent broader society.
The issue has once again been drawn to the fore after Police Investigative Directorate - the IPID - arrested three KZN officers on Sunday - for allegedly torturing a suspect to death during an interrogation and then trying to cover it up.
Dr Andrew Faull - the author of 'Police Work & Identity,' says in countries with high rates of violence, children grow up witnessing violence and taught that power is exerted through violence.
He says in South Africa, this is also linked to a history of subversive control.
"The idea is that violence is a legitimate response to social indiscretion. Most people want criminals to be punished, to suffer and to pay their price."
READ: KZN officer wanted in connection with suspect's murder dies
Faull says our police are recruited from a South African pool.
"Police who torture or abuse people might think they have the support of the public and often, they wouldn't be wrong. The problem is that that's not how a democratic society is built," Faull said.
The three officers are appearing in court today on charges of murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.