Four cops held over death in custody

FOUR POLICE officers have been arrested in connection with the murder of 48-year-old Phikolomzi Tatsi and the assault of two other men, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) said yesterday.

Spokesperson Moses Dlamini said the four, who were arrested on Monday, were two sergeants and two constables.

“Ipid investigators attended a crime scene as a result of police action on March 10 in Katlehong North. The matter was reported to Ipid as death in police custody at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital,” said Dlamini.

“It was alleged that two constables from Katlehong North SAPS stopped a Toyota Verso in which there were six family members. The officers suspected that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

“It was alleged that when the police officers tried to arrest the driver, he resisted arrest.”

Back-up was called and other police vehicles arrived on the scene. The driver was then arrested and taken to Katlehong North police station.

“It was alleged that three men were assaulted at the back of the police station by at least five police officers.

“After the assault, the three victims were put in the back of the police van and taken to hospital to draw blood from the driver.

“The driver was taken to a doctor while the two other males were left behind in the van,” said Dlamini.

“One male person died in the back of the police van. The post-mortem and medical examination showed that the victims were severely assaulted.”

The four were expected to appear in the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of murder and two of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.