IPID Investigates Death of a 31-Year-Old Man Due to a Drug Overdose: Gauteng

Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating a case of death where a 31-year-old man swallowed drugs in attempt to not be arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). The incident allegedly took place on 4 January 2022 around 19:30 at No 64 Eloff Ext Lion Kings Tyres. The incident was reported to IPID at 20:30.

It is alleged that on 4 January 2022 JMPD officials were patrolling Selby when they noticed a red polo parked with one guy inside the car and the other outside the driver’s window exchanging something which looked like drugs. As the JMPD officials were approaching the vehicle, the one guy ran and the car drove off.

This is when a chase ensued for the polo driver and he was eventually caught. The JMPD officials searched the car and indeed found drugs which the suspect indicated belonged to his brother and the suspect was then arrested. The JMPD officials requested the suspect to take them to his brother. When the suspect’s brother noticed the JMPD officials he ran, swallowed the drugs and collapsed.

An ambulance was summoned to the scene and the paramedic declared him dead and his body was taken to the Hillbrow mortuary where a post mortem will be conducted.

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Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

Enquiries:
Grace Langa
Acting Nations Spokesperson
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
Tel: 064 664 3172
E-mail: 02workonly@gmail.com
Cc: glanga@ipid.gov.za