SAMORA Felix Mashaba (44), who was arrested in connection with the murder of Amanda Phungula (19), in Yellowwood Park on October 2, died in police custody on October 9.

Also read: Suspect to appear in court for Yellowwood Park woman’s murder

Lizzy Suping, Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson, confirmed that an investigation is underway into the circumstances of Mashaba’s death. “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the suspect while in police custody,” she said.

Mashaba was arrested after the body of Phungula was found on Coedmore Road near Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve with stab wounds near her right eye. He appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on October 7.

Captain Carmen Rhynes, eThekwini district police spokesperson, said that Phungula was murdered as a result of sexual assault. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KZN Media Centre spokesperson, said the case was to be remanded to October 16 for a bail application before the news of his passing broke.

Updates will follow as investigations continue.

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