Shock filled the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning, October 22, when a man was found hanging inside the court’s glass tower, leading police to open an inquest into his death.

According to West Rand K9 Unit spokesperson, Warrant Officer Reinier Henning, although suicide is suspected in this case, an inquest has been opened.

“The cause of death will be confirmed upon further investigation,” Henning said.

• Read the initial article here: Tragedy at court as man found hanging in glass tower

He also confirmed that the man was found hanging by shoelaces, which were handed in for forensic investigation.

“At this stage, we are uncertain whether the man gained entry to the tower from the inside or the outside, but one of the top windows was removed,” he stated.

Mogale Fire and Rescue station officer Jaco van der Westhuizen added that they received a call at 06:44, with resources on the scene including Krugersdorp Fire Station 38, Police Search and Rescue and Pathology.

“We faced the challenge of the position of the body, which was about 20 metres high. However, the recovery operation went smoothly and all teams worked well together,” Van der Westhuizen concluded.