I interviewed Lindo Ndaba who has experienced the injustice of South Africa’s justice system. He was wrongfully arrested and spent months in prison before he went to trial and was found not guilty.It seems like there is something that our government is doing wrong and nothing is being done about it. So it is important that we tell these stories. here we get to talk to someone who has experienced this to find out how it impacted his life and how it even happened. Maybe we’ll be able to find the loopholes in the justice system of our country.

What crime were you arrested and sentenced for? And when did this take place?
I was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a taxi driver. This happened in March, 2009; I never thought something like that would happen to me ever.

Can you tell us what happened during your arrest?
I was sitting at “my spot”. This is a place I would usually go to and read, meditate, journal and just enjoy nature. On this day I was there reading my Bible when four police officers, armed and pointing their guns at me, surrounded me. They were all talking so loudly and I was confused and scared. I put my hands up and they started slapping and pushing me around. They cuffed me and aggressively pushed me into the van; they were now having casual conversations as if it was just a normal day; then we drove off.

Was there a warrant of arrest issued?
No. Those people had nothing but their guns and tasers.

Did they read out your constitutional rights before taking you away?
No. They assaulted me instead. South African police are criminals.

Were you allowed to contact anyone to let them know you had been arrested?
I was never given that opportunity and privilege. When my family came the following day to enquire, I was shocked they even knew where I was; someone must have seen the whole incident and told them.

How long did it take before your court appearance?
I had several court dates but each time I appeared, it was either postponed or not heard at all. For the court appearance that cleared me to take place, I waited for a year and two months.

How was your family affected by this?
My mother got so stressed she couldn’t go to work, and because of that she was laid off. Now things were more tough. My older brother had to work overtime at a construction site to pay my legal fees.

Have you filed for any civil claim against the police to get justice or compensation for damages?
I have decided to let it all go because I’ve been through so much. Right now I just want to be here and live my life and not have to worry about dealing with corrupt government. I know people who have sued them and got something out of it, but I’m just closing that chapter of my life and moving on. Also, you need serious money to be able to sue the state.

Can you tell us about the health and safety conditions behind bars?
Well the prison I was in was not as bad as other prisons are said to be by media and people who have experienced that. It was not filthy at all; they had people who came and cleaned but we were responsible for making our cells neat and clean. The only concern was healthcare in there as it’s very cold and that leads to illness; also, the health department rarely came in to do health checks.

How long were you detained without being criminally charged?
It was a year, two months and 7 days. I know even the hours, that was hell, I tell you.

How did the community treat you before and after you were exonerated?
Some people knew the truth and it was only a few who seemed to not like me anymore. My church supported me and my family were my backbone. Before going to prison, everyone loved me as I was an active participant in all programmes to build our youth and I was a part of the community forums. It didn’t take long though for people to accept me back.

Tell us what you did in prison to stay sane and keep fighting for your freedom?
I prayed. I kept to myself. And I prayed some more.