The victim was allegedly assaulted on the 06th October 2012 until he died in the police holding cells at Rosedale Police. Preliminary reports state that he died of subdural haemorrhage, fractured skull and aspiration.

The Commission is currently in a process of further investigating this matter after a complaint was laid with our provincial office by the family of the deceased.

The Commission is also worried about reports of similar cases implicating the police from the same station in instances of brutality against suspects in lawful custody.

The Commission condemns this acts as the SAPS is tasked with keeping arrested detainees in safe custody pending outcome of proceedings.

The death or assault of anybody in the custody of the police is a matter that deserves full investigation and in this case we appeal to the IPID to act with the necessary speed and accuracy to establish the causes of the death of this individual.
Police brutality cannot be tolerated at all.

The Commission will meet with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate in the area on Friday, 26th September 2012 to ascertain actions taken to deal with this matter.

END

Issued by:
Isaac Mangena
Head: Communications
South African Human Rights Commission
0718848273