Shock as young teens locked up with adult inmates in police cell
Experts warn that placing children in cells with adult inmates can expose them to physical abuse, intimidation and psychological trauma.
Three teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have sparked outrage after being detained with nine adult inmates at Ritavi police station in Tzaneen, Limpopo. The children were accused of assaulting a pupil from DZJ Secondary School. According to Pastor Denis Maake, the children were arrested on Friday after school and taken to the police station.
They were held in a holding cell for over two hours before being released and reporting the incident to their parents. One teenager confirmed they were beaten while in the cell, which led their parents to take them to the hospital for medical attention. Dr Shaheda Omar, clinical director of the Teddy Bear Foundation, called for a comprehensive review of police procedures for safeguarding children in custody.
She emphasized that children's rights should not depend on the police station they enter, highlighting the potential for trauma and degradation in such situations. Willem Els, from the Security Initiative for Africa, warned that the alleged detention could constitute a serious breach of the duty to protect children, citing the risk of abuse and psychological harm. Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba has not commented on the allegations.
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