The after-effects of being wrongfully arrested

Wits Justice Project senior multimedia journalist Sumeya Gasa explains the work they do and callers share their experience.

Wits Justice Project investigates miscarriages of justice and raises awareness of issues within the criminal justice system.

The project also looks to help those wrongfully arrested and incarcerated.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Wits Justice Project senior multimedia journalist Sumeya Gasa about their work.

Most South Africans are too poor to afford real justice. You find that most people rely on legal aid but they are extremely under-resourced and overworked and that compromises the quality of legal services citizens can expect.

Sumeya Gasa, Senior multimedia journalist - Wits Justice Project

In many instances we see people saying they only met their representative when they got to court.

Sumeya Gasa, Senior multimedia journalist - Wits Justice Project

Callers share their experiences of being wrongfully arrested.

I was at my place in Greenstone, I saw the police coming in saying I have been arrested for hijacking. The police asked me about the car, I told them the car has been repossessed but they did not listen to me. I was in prison for one year two months.

Victor Nkomo, Falsely accused ex prisoner

Way too many people calling in about being wrongfully arrested. One caller was in jail for 19years 💔 ngingafa 🥺 @Radio702

— Tebello, your Sister in Law 👩🏽‍⚖️⚖️ (@bellz_motshwane) February 19, 2021

Listen to the full conversation below...

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