Leratong. There were accusations and reports that he was denied treatment inside Lindela which worsened his situation and then only taken to Leratong too late.56This apparent trend of refusing treatment until it is an emergency and then transferring responsibility over to the hospital when there is little they can do is costing the government significantly more in medical fees and brings to light a troubling disregard for human dignity. Naturally, the Centre denies involvement in these deaths. When defending allegations of abuse at the centre, the head of Lindela Makgabo Kekana says the allegations are there but there are not provable."You have seen people with (injury) marks, yes, because they will be trying to attack us. We do not assault people," says Kekana.57 The importance of transparency and accountability are paramount for this very reason; these allegations must become provable. There should not be debate about whether detainees should have access to medical treatment, adequate food or the opportunity to live with dignity; these things must be implemented. With the myriad of flaws and inconsistencies thus far in the process, it is clear that there is a desperate need for transparency and accountability to prevent the arrest and detention of foreign nationals with valid documents and citizens who were not carrying their Identity Book, or “Pass”. Regardless of the legitimacy of one’s status, the manner in which a person is treated while in custody of the DHA, the Constitution should still be respected. Deportation The findings with regards to deportation followed similar trends of disregard for human dignity and legal process as in the previous two stages. The detention and deportation of refugees and asylum seekers was found to be taking place. Zimbabweans were interviewed who had been deported during the time that the supposed Moratorium on deportation of Zimbabweans was in place. Corruption inevitably rears its ugly head at this stage. Detainees reported having to pay for their own plane tickets to leave Lindela, while others reported having to pay a bribe just to be allowed to then buy their own plane ticket. Official statistics and information regarding the cost of detention, deportation and litigation is very difficult to come by; but from the information we were able to gather, deportation is costing South African taxpayers far more than they realise. i. Deportation of Asylum Seekers and Refugees It is important to note that South African law does not require asylum seekers and refugees to be detained (Refugees Act 130 of 1998). Immigration officers are not required to detain illegal foreigners. Officers must use their discretion in deciding 56 SABC. “SA to deport 1 800 illegal foreigners.” 23 December 2011. www.sabc.co.za/news/a/4dd9bb80498758d683c5bbf9983387d0/SA-to-deport-1-800-illegal-foreigners20111223+death+of+congolese+at+lindela&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&client=safari. 57 SABC. “SA to deport 1 800 illegal foreigners.” 23 December 2011. www.sabc.co.za/news/a/4dd9bb80498758d683c5bbf9983387d0/SA-to-deport-1-800-illegal-foreigners20111223+death+of+congolese+at+lindela&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&client=safari. 34