Despite giving the Department of Correctional Services almost two months to comment on the cannibalism case suspect found dead in a prison cell, they failed to comment on the incident.
One of the men involved in the grisly case of suspected cannibalism allegedly committed suicide on July 22 at the Ladysmith Correctional Service facility.
Read initial story: Shocking News: A flesh-eating cannibal hands himself over to police, leads to the arrest of 2 more men
31-year-old Sithembiso Doctor Sithole was found dead by Correctional Services officers in his holding cell.
It is believed that on the day in question, Sithembiso had an altercation with other offenders and was held in a single cell. Upon routine inspection, officers found Sithembiso hanging in his single cell.
Sithembiso, together with three other accused, faced charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.
The suspects abandoned bail at the formal application that was held in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on August 28, 2017.
A year has passed since the horrific case was discovered, when one of the accused walked into Estcourt police station and handed himself over, claiming he was “tired of eating human flesh”.
Police were sceptical until he produced parts of a human leg and a hand.
Police officers instituted an investigation, leading to the arrest of three more men.
The suspects are Nino Mbatha (32), Sthembiso Sithole (31 – deceased), Lungisani Magubane (30) and Khayelihle Lamula.
It is believed that at least two of the men were practicing nyanga (traditional healers).
The suspected cannibalism suspects who are still alive will be appearing for trial in the Pietermaritzburg High Court from November 12 to December 14.
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