POLICE in Transkei are investigating how a motorist suspected of drunken driving died in police holding cells just over an hour after he was locked up alone.
Th e Daily Dispatch has seen a copy of a report on the incident sent to the Eastern Cape provincial commissioner’s office, and copied to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) in Mthatha and a Mount Ayliff cluster commander.
The report, signed by Bizana station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Mthethunzima Hintsa, states motorist Xolile Mba, in his early 30s, was stopped by an officer identified only as Constable Bhadama on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol.
“Constable Bhadama then took the driver … and his vehicle to the charge office. He detained Xolile Mba for public drunkenness at 5.56am.
“He was alone in a police cell. Later at 7.15am Xolile Mba was found dead in the police cell by Warrant Officer Fumba, who was doing a cell visit,” reads the report.
A departmental investigation “will be done to the South African Police Services members for negligence on the part of their duties”, the report adds.
Provincial police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Sibongile Soci confirmed the incident and said Bizana detectives had opened an inquest docket.
Ipid spokesman Tiyani Sambo said Ipid was investigating the incident .
Hintsa could not be reached yesterday .
The incident comes just over a month after a gruesome incident when police officers were caught on tape allegedly dragging a Mozambique taxi driver behind their vehicle . Mido Macia, 27, later died, reportedly from head injuries and internal bleeding, at the Daveyton Police station in Johannesburg.
The incident caused an international outcry.
Eight police officers face murder charges .
In another recent case four Barkly East officers are to answer for the death in custody of a colleague who was arrested, allegedly drunk, on January 18.
Police sergeant Sibongile Xoli was allegedly assaulted by a warrant officer, who has since been suspended, while three of his seniors are accused of behaving improperly. —
Motorist dies in police cell after an hour
Th e Daily Dispatch has seen a copy of a report on the incident sent to the Eastern Cape provincial commissioner’s office, and copied to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) in Mthatha and a Mount Ayliff cluster commander.
The report, signed by Bizana station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Mthethunzima Hintsa, states motorist Xolile Mba, in his early 30s, was stopped by an officer identified only as Constable Bhadama on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol.
“Constable Bhadama then took the driver … and his vehicle to the charge office. He detained Xolile Mba for public drunkenness at 5.56am.
“He was alone in a police cell. Later at 7.15am Xolile Mba was found dead in the police cell by Warrant Officer Fumba, who was doing a cell visit,” reads the report.
A departmental investigation “will be done to the South African Police Services members for negligence on the part of their duties”, the report adds.
Provincial police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Sibongile Soci confirmed the incident and said Bizana detectives had opened an inquest docket.
Ipid spokesman Tiyani Sambo said Ipid was investigating the incident .
Hintsa could not be reached yesterday .
The incident comes just over a month after a gruesome incident when police officers were caught on tape allegedly dragging a Mozambique taxi driver behind their vehicle . Mido Macia, 27, later died, reportedly from head injuries and internal bleeding, at the Daveyton Police station in Johannesburg.
The incident caused an international outcry.
Eight police officers face murder charges .
In another recent case four Barkly East officers are to answer for the death in custody of a colleague who was arrested, allegedly drunk, on January 18.
Police sergeant Sibongile Xoli was allegedly assaulted by a warrant officer, who has since been suspended, while three of his seniors are accused of behaving improperly. —
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos