The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed that it is investigating a case of death in police custody. According to IPID, the incident allegedly took place at the Bellville South police station on Sunday, December 19.
IPID spokesperson Grace Langa said it was reported that a 27-year-old man was arrested for assault and was left in one of the police offices alone with his left arm cuffed against the burglar door.
“The police allegedly left him to go look for a second suspect for the same assault case and on their return they found him hanged against the same burglar door with his body in a kneeling position. It is alleged that he used a cord to commit suicide as his right arm was not cuffed,” Langa said.
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According to Langa, IPID, as an investigating body does not currently have a position about what could have transpired, however, the police officers involved have rights, as well as the family of the deceased, of knowing what happened to their son.
“The community and civil society have every right to know what happened but unfortunately IPID does not have the answers yet, we appeal for calmness, patience as well as space to conduct our investigations with integrity, transparency and fairness.
“Putting pressure on investigators will compromise the case which will deny the deceased and family justice they deserve,” Langa reiterated.
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