Nine officials from the Polokwane Correctional Centre appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court yesterday on murder charges following the death of an inmate who was allegedly assaulted while in custody.

According to Polokwane Review, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspects were arrested after a police investigation linked them to the incident, which reportedly took place in July 2024.

“The inmate succumbed to injuries sustained during the alleged assault. The matter was reported to the police and, at the time, an inquest was registered. However, during the course of the investigation and after autopsy results, the charge was changed to murder,” his statement read.

Ledwaba said four of the officials were first arrested in October 2024, but the case against them was provisionally withdrawn.

On Monday, the four suspects, along with five additional officials, were re-arrested following new evidence.

The suspects are:

• Victor Ramoroka (52)
• Victor Seakamela (59)
• Lutendo Vele (41)
• Christopher Mafela (33)
• Micharl Ramabu (42)
• Anna Shai (41)
• Josephine Mphela (49)
• Obed Selolo (53)
• Lucas Phihlela (54)

“All nine suspects were granted bail of R1 500 each and the matter was postponed to August 21 for a regional court date and further police investigations,” Ledwaba concluded.

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