IPID probes police custody death amid eMzinoni crime concerns
The investigation follows the discovery of the body of Thembi Lukhele (46), who had sustained multiple stab wounds, in a veld in Extension 11 informal settlement on September 7.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a murder suspect who died while in police custody in eMzinoni.
This follows the discovery of the body of Thembi Lukhele (46), who had sustained multiple stab wounds, in a veld in Extension 11 informal settlement, eMzinoni, during the early hours of September 7.
A murder case was opened at the eMzinoni Police Station, and according to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the subsequent investigation led to the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect later that same day.
Masondo said the suspect subsequently died while in police custody.
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“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the circumstances that led to the death of the murder suspect in eMzinoni police custody,” said Masondo.
The latest murder has left the eMzinoni community shocked, with residents raising concerns about the spate of violent deaths reported in the area within a short period.
Lukhele’s murder comes just days after the death of Bongani Mlambo, whose body was discovered dumped along the road to Middelburg on August 31.
The two incidents have heightened concerns among residents about safety and violent crime in the community.
