Four police officers arrested for Katlehong North murder and assault

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of 48year old Phikolomzi Tatsi and the assault of two other men. The suspects who were arrested on 18 March 2019, are two Sergeants and two Constables.

They will appear at Palmridge Magistrates Court on 20 March 2019 on a charge of murder and two of assault GBH.

IPID investigators attended a crime scene of a death as a result of police action on 10 March 2019 in Katlehong North.

The matter was reported to IPID as death in police custody at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital.

It was alleged that two Constables from Katlehong North SAPS stopped a Toyota Verso in which there were six family members. The police officers suspected that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. It was alleged that when the police officers tried to arrest the driver, he resisted arrest. Backup was called and other police vehicles arrived. The driver was arrested and taken to Katlehong North SAPS.

It was alleged that three men were assaulted at the back of the police station by at least five police officers. After the assault, the three victims were put at the back of the police van and taken to hospital to draw blood from the driver. The driver was taken to a doctor while the two other males were left behind in the van. One male person died in the back of the police van and was certified dead by a doctor.

The post mortem and medical examination showed that the victims were severely assaulted.

Police officers who violate the law will be held accountable.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

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