A 38-year-old man was found dead in the holding cells at the George Police Station in the Western Cape yesterday, after being arrested earlier in the morning.

According to information received, the deceased was arrested in the vicinity of the George Industrial area for possession of suspected stolen goods.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies says George police have opened an inquest docket.

“According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that the man was found by policemen during a routine inspection. He was later declared dead by paramedics on scene,” says Spies.

He adds that the investigation was transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). George Herald has sent a media enquiry to the IPID. Their response will be published as soon as it is received.

An internal investigation has been launched by George police management.