34 year old man died in police custody

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating an inquest case where a 34 year old man died in police custody at Mitchells Plain police, Cape Town.

It is alleged that on 18 March 2016, the deceased was held on a Bench warrant of arrest for possession of drugs. He was detained at Mitchells Plain police cells with ten other detainees. It is alleged that on Saturday 19 March 2016 at about 06:30, when the detainees were about to eat their breakfast the deceased was found lying on his mattress and he was not responding. It is that alleged the deceased was then taken out of his cell, placed to a cell court-yard, paramedics were called to the scene and the deceased was declared dead.
There were no visible injuries on him. The preliminary cause of death indicates that he died of possible natural causes.

IPID was contacted about the matter and an inquest docket was opened to determine the cause of death and IPID took over the investigation. Investigation continues.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

For enquiries:
Mr Robbie Raburabu
Acting National Spokesperson
082 926 1067 and 012 399 0049
rraburabu@ipid.gov.za