Man found dead in Secunda SAPS’ holding cells
Police investigate Mr Wynand Pretorius' apparent suicide.
UPDATE:The Ridge Times can confirm that the man found dead in the Secunda Police holding cells today, was Mr Wynand Pretorius.
He allegedly set the house he rented with his girlfriend in Azalea Street, on fire on 24 January.
She and her daughter were not at home at the time, but Mr Pretorius’ son was.
The son ran out of the house to get help.
The police were quickly on the scene and saved Mr Pretorius.
He was sent for psychiatric evaluation awaiting trial.
A man awaiting trial for arson was found dead in the Secunda Police holding cells today at about 1.15pm.
He allegedly used mattress cover strings to commit suicide.
The suspect was arrested in January and appeared in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on 29 March on the arson charge.
He was awaiting sentencing and was supposed to remain in custody until 5 April.
The Independent Police Investigation Directorate was summoned and an inquest is underway.
