Phoenix residents raise concern over treatment of accused arrested for violence during July’s unrest

By Yogashen Pillay 1 hour agoShare this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShareDURBAN – Following the death of a defendant arrested for violence-related reasons during the July riots, Phoenix residents yesterday expressed concern about the treatment of all custodians, Jeetendra Jaikissoon , one of the men arrested for murder during the violence in Phoenix, died in hospital on Friday. He was in custody at Westville Prison when he complained of chest pain and discomfort. His family and community activists called for an investigation into his death. His family also hired pathologist Reggie Perumal to help determine the cause of death. A community meeting was held yesterday at Pesco Hall in Phoenix. African Democratic Change Chairman Visvin Reddy said at the meeting: “In prison, some guards have taken the position that these men are guilty. The treatment they (the defendants) are receiving in prison constitutes a grave human rights violation, especially if they are viewed as pre-trial detainees. One of our members has already written to the Attorney General’s attention. ”Sasha Gopal, a Phoenix resident, said an arrested relative had been refused medication. “I have an uncle who was arrested for vandalism, he is a heart patient, I was not allowed to give him medication.” Michelle Khan, a Phoenix activist, said, “I have reports that the defendants are denied basic rights and they first Get dinner late at night. ”Jaikissoon’s family said they were devastated by his death. Family spokesman Manoj Harilall said it was believed that his constitutional rights had been violated. “We were not allowed to give Jeetendra his medication and he was promised medication in prison that he was not given. Jeetendra had diabetes and high blood pressure and when his wife came to see him on Thursday he was not looking well. We received a call on Friday that he had passed away. ”Harilall added that the family were not allowed to take food or clothes to Jaikissoon during his 90-day detention. “We were only allowed to bring soap and cigarettes. We were only recently allowed to see him and we weren’t allowed to give him anything when he appeared in court. ”Harilall said the family wanted justice and a proper investigation was all right, and he was gone on Friday. We need to know the truth about what happened. ”THE MERCURY

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