IPID investigates death in police custody: Bellville

Independent Police Investigative Directorate ( IPID) is investigating a case of death in police custody. The incident allegedly took place last night at Bellville police station in one of the police offices at about 20:45. IPID attended the scene until about 9:00 am and the ambulance arrived and confirmed him dead at 9:00 am when they arrived.

It is alleged a 27 year old male person was arrested for assault and was left in the office 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 committ suicide as his right arm was not cuffed.

Comments: Relating to the statement I sent above and the anger by community members.

IPID as an investigating body will not be having a position at this stage about what could have transpired. The police officers involved have rights, the deceased family have the right 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.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

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