The police constable allegedly assaulted the suspect in the police cells after accusing him of stealing his relatives’ property.
THE INDEPENDENT Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is probing the death of a suspect at the Rosedale police station in Upington.
A police constable allegedly assaulted the 20-year-old suspect in the passage of the cells at Rosedale police station on October 28.
IPID national acting spokesperson Grace Langa said the suspect died following the assault.
“The deceased was arrested on allegations of possession of suspected stolen property,” said Langa.
“It is alleged by fellow inmates that at around midnight on October 28 the deceased was taken from the cell where he was detained.
“The constable police officer allegedly accused the deceased of breaking into his relatives’ homes and stealing their property.
“He allegedly informed the deceased that he did not care if he died during the assault, while the deceased was screaming and crying. He called for help but no one came to assist him as it was midnight.”
Langa added that after a few seconds, everything suddenly went quiet.
“The police officer was heard calling his colleague and asking him to call an ambulance. The colleague checked the deceased’s pulse but there was no sign of life.
“The deceased was attended to by emergency staff and was declared dead on the scene.”
Langa said that a post-mortem would be conducted on November 4.
