THE Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has launched an investigation into the death of a Nigerian national who died in police custody on Saturday morning.
The death of Daniel “Ichaka” Timothy caused chaos when hundreds of angry Nigerian and other foreign nationals gathered outside Arwyp, claiming that the police killed Ichaka.
The incident started at around 7.30am on Saturday when the 32-year-old father of three was allegedly stopped by police for being in possession of drugs. He was allegedly arrested on West Street in front of his brother’s shop.
According to eyewitnesses, he then attempted to run from police, who chased him from Chicken Licken on Pretoria Road and caught him at the taxi rank on the same road.
The eyewitness said the police also demanded a bribe from Ichaka.
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“They (the police) wanted R1 000 from him but he showed them he only had R250 in his pocket. His brother then came with (a further) R500 to give to them. They took him away in the police car. That was the last time I saw him alive,” the witness told EXPRESS.
Ichaka’s brother eventually tracked down the police car that took Ichaka away. It was parked in front of Arwyp’s entrance.
“When I saw him, he was still alive but could hardly speak properly. His hands were tied behind his back and his arms looked hurt, like he had been beaten and manhandled roughly,” the brother explained.
Two women, apparently family members, could be seen looking helplessly into the police vehicle with Ichaka still in the back seat. They asked not to be interviewed by media as they were too emotional to speak.
IPID spokesperson, Robbie Raburabu, confirmed to EXPRESS that an investigation into the victim’s death had been launched.
“At this stage, allegations are being made against the police that they suffocated the victim. And on the other hand police are alleging the victim swallowed the drugs he was being arrested for,” Raburabu said.
