Detention is the brief period for which you are held in custody while the police decide whether there is enough evidence to charge you. According to the law, the police must show reasonable cause for suspecting that you have broken the law. During detention, the police have no right to demand information about comrades, your activities or any organisations you belong to. You have the right to remain silent. Be aware that anything you say, including to other detainees, can be used against you and your comrades in a court of law.

You have the right to consult a legal representative of your choice, and communicate with and be visited by a spouse or partner, next of kin, chosen religious counselor, and chosen medical practitioner.

You may only be detained for a maximum of 48 hours, excluding weekends and public holidays. So if you are arrested on a Thursday or Friday, you may be detained until Monday when you must appear in court or be released.