Methods of torture used by the South African forces were revealed yet again with news of the death in detention of Philemon DAWIDS. According to a news report quoting 'confidential' sources Dawids was arrested by members of the SADF near Nkongo in eastern Ovambo on 24 August. He was accused of having taken part in SWAPO's guerilla activities, a charge he denied. Dawids was repeatedly assaulted by the soldiers during interrogation. Finally he was buried in a hole up to his neck, leaving only his head above ground for the soldiers to kick. Dawids reportedly endured this torture for three days before his eventual death.
A doctor at Nkongo declared Dawids' death to be from natural causes. However, the body was taken to Oshakati mortuary where its condition was found to conflict with the doctor's finding. In early September Professor O Schwar of Stellenbosch University, the Chief State Pathologist in Cape Town, performed a post mortem. He declined to release details of his findings, saying they would form part of the evidence at the inquest into Dawids' death and might feature in a possible court hearing. He conducted the post mortem at the request of the local magistrate.
A spokesman for the South West Africa Police confirmed that the matter was being investigated.
