IPID investigates the death of a suspect in police custody in Upington
IPID is investigating the death of a 21-year-old male who allegedly committed suicide at the Groblershoop Police Station, in Upington on 7 April 2022 at about 5pm.
Earlier on Thursday, 7 April 2022, the deceased was found guilty of being in contempt of court and was sentenced to ten days imprisonment or a One hundred Rand fine (R100). After the court ruling and conviction, the deceased allegedly became unruly, making threats of committing suicide if he was detained in a cell. The deceased’s mother went to withdraw funds required for bail while he was in police custody.
When the Groblershoop police went to check on the deceased in the cells, a few minutes later, he was found hanging from the grill in front of the cell window. He allegedly hanged himself with his buffer facial mask.
The paramedics were called in and declared him dead on the scene. The deceased was alone in the cell at the time of his death and his body was transported to the state mortuary.
Enquiries:
Ms. Lizzy Suping
Director Communications and Marketing/Spokesperson
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
Benstra Building,473B Stanza Bopape Street, Pretoria, 0001
T: (+27) 12 399 0092,