Murder suspect hangs himself in holding cell

An inquest docket has been opened by police in Greenwood Park, Durban, after a man suspected of murder was found dead in a holding cell.

The 25-year-old man, who had been arrested on Tuesday in connection with a murder, was found hanging from the burglar bars of his cell’s window on Wednesday, North Glen News reported.

It was believed that the man hanged himself after he appeared in the Durban Magistrates’ Court earlier that day.

After his court appearance, the suspect was escorted back to his cell where his body was discovered a few hours later.

Greenwood Park police spokesperson Warrant Office Lutchman Singh confirmed that the man was a suspect in the murder of a woman in the area.

“The suspect is believed to be one of three suspects involved in the murder committed in October of last year. He had been arrested on a previous occasion, released on bail and absconded from his hearing,” Singh said.

The victim was allegedly strangled in her home, while it was believed that one of the three suspects had been a former lover.

In October, a woman believed to be a prostitute was found dead at the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court in an apparent suicide.

It was believed the 24-year-old woman, who had been due to appear before the court on charges of loitering and possession of drugs, hanged herself with her shoelaces.

In July, an investigation of negligence against the police was to be undertaken after a suspect shot and killed himself while in the back of police van.

– Caxton News Service