I am a Knysna resident since childhood. Separated from common law wife, I am a father of two young daughters who I help support. I have been employed here as a plumber’s assistant for many years. While waiting for a taxi home on Friday, the police suddenly grabbed me from behind and, searched me. They found a bag on the ground near me and searched that, finding some cannabis. I denied it was my bag. They handcuffed me anyway and put me in back of van. They drove around for a long time afterwards before we got to the police station. The handcuffs felt very tight. I was not allowed to get advice or messages from people trying to help me. The cells were in a bad state, with overflowing sewage and a very bad smell. The police would not allow extra ventilation through the cell. They closed us all in there with the sewage and the stench, it was really horrible. In the morning, I was desperate to get home, so signed an admission of guilt and my boss loaned me R400 fine.