
AN investigation into the assault and killing of a Nigerian national who was allegedly killed by five members of the crime intelligence unit in Polokwane four months ago has not yet been finalised by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court heard this last week Wednesday, when magistrate Janine Ungerer postponed the case to November 22 for further investigations.
Ungerer told defense and the state to opt for this date after their proposal of October 3 were cast in doubt that investigations would be done by then.
“Why don’t you give it a farther date, because you have been postponing from month to month,” said Ungerer.
Four police officials attached to the crime intelligence unit and the driver of former Limpopo police commissioner Simon Mpembe were arrested in May after they were linked to Onyechiabi Iwuaka’s death.
The IPID argued that these officials were responsible for Iwuaka’s death and proposed that they be charged for assault and murder.
Boitumelo Ramahlala, Mashiba Mathata, Collins Sekoati, Thabo Mabotja and Clement Tsotsane allegedly beat Iwuaka on May 20 while he was visiting a friend in Ladana.
The officers were looking for Iwuaka’s friend in connection to stolen cell phones, which were apparently found in the friend’s room. Iwuaka was allegedly beaten all over his body, and an inner-tube was used to torture him.
During their successful bail application, the court heard that Iwuaka bled from his ears, mouth and his captivators sprinkled him with 500ml water bought at restaurant on the way to the police station.
The state also argued that, after he was resuscitated, the beating continued until Iwuaka gave up breathing and died. The state is also seeking answers from the accused about why the deceased was not taken to hospital for his injuries.
Forensic investigations presented to court also confirm that Iwuaka died as result of a beating.
In June, the court ordered the IDIP to investigate why crime intelligence was involved in the investigation of stolen cell phones.