POLOKWANE – The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) attended the scene and is investigating the death of an awaiting trial prisoner on Monday afternoon (August 19).
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the 38-year-old suddenly died in the holding cells and that the Seshego police have opened an inquest docket.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased was discovered unconscious during a routine check-up and was certified dead on arrival by emergency medical services,” Ledwaba’s statement read.
He added that the deceased faced trial for a rape case committed in January and had made several court appearances, with his next scheduled appearance set for September 3.
“The circumstances surrounding his death are currently unknown and are being investigated. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” Ledwaba confirmed.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
