He also refuted claims that they have violated the rights of those detained.
This follows allegations that more than 200 illegal immigrants have been held in the Benoni Police Station holding cells for more than a month, in violation of the law which stipulates that suspects can be held in custody without being charged for a maximum of 48 hours.
The illegal foreigners were reportedly turned away from the Lindela Repatriation Centre, due to a lack of space to accommodate them.
There are allegations that they are overcrowded in the Benoni holding cells, with no place to bath, and that they are being denied visitors.
Subbiah said none of this is true.
“The SAPS has the right to arrest and detain in custody for a period not exceeding 30 days, and that period hasn’t lapsed yet, as some of these people were first detained on September 22,” said Subbiah.
He also said that no one was denied access into the cells but that access has to be controlled.
“Contrary to reports our SAPS members did not assault anyone, in fact, there are no injured suspects and we have not received any complaints about anyone being assaulted,” said Subbiah.
