Briefing Paper

Manufacturing Torture? South Africa’s Trade in Electric Shock Equipment

The trade in certain kinds of firearms and military equipment in South Africa, is controlled for reasons of safety and security. However, a perceived gap in legislation exists when it comes to the control of law enforcement equipment that
can facilitate torture and ill treatment. Electric shock devices are examined in this brief, as an example of security equipment that needs stronger trade control measures. The brief outlines concerns over the use of electric shock
equipment, and discusses the manufacture of these items in South Africa and their trade with other countries. It also looks at trade controls currently used elsewhere, and provides recommendations for changes in the control measures surrounding these products in South Africa.