In a landmark ruling that highlights police accountability, the North West High Court has mandated substantial compensation for a victim of unlawful arrest and detention that resulted in permanent physical harm.
Man Compensated For Wrongful Arrest and Imprisonment
Court records reveal that on May 19, 2021, Maetso was apprehended without warrant while traveling between Wolmaranstad and Makwassie. Police officers suspected his involvement in cable theft – allegations that were later dismissed due to lack of evidence.
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During proceedings, Maetso described the appalling conditions of his detention:
- Overcrowded holding cells with inadequate sanitation
- Lack of proper bedding or warm clothing
- No access to hot water during winter months
- Nutritionally deficient food provisions
Permanent Health Consequences
The most severe outcome of Maetso’s ordeal was the development of a throat infection that medical experts confirmed caused permanent damage to his vocal cords. This condition has significantly impacted his ability to communicate and potentially affected future employment opportunities.
Compounding his suffering, Maetso struggled with unemployment since losing his truck driving job during the March 2020 national lockdown.
Judicial Findings and Compensation Breakdown
Judge Johanna Titus delivered a scathing rebuke of police conduct in her ruling, noting the police ministry’s complete failure to respond to Maetso’s claims within the required timeframes. This procedural failure resulted in the court granting a default judgment in Maetso’s favour.
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The court established that:
- The arrest was conducted without proper legal justification
- Detention conditions violated basic human rights
- Officers showed reckless disregard for due process
- The extended detention period exacerbated health consequences