Police in Letsitele outside Tzaneen in Limpopo are investigating a murder case after a 40-year-old suspect was found dead in a jail cell.
Brig. Police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo said Chikinyongo Madala Masinge was found in the cells at about 4:50 am on Tuesday morning, where he was seriously injured.
“The persons who were in custody with him were presumably assaulted,” Mojapelo said.
When paramedics arrived at the scene, they declared him dead.
“The man was a wanted suspect on charges of attempted murder, rape and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The crimes were committed in Nwamitwa and other areas in the Letsitele policing district. He was taken to detention cells at the Letsitele police station on Tuesday morning after his arrest at about 1:45. “
Among other things, Masinge was suspected of raping a woman who went to fetch wood. Her hand was cut off with a sharp object. “The incident persuaded members of the community and wanted to see him arrested. He was eventually arrested in Burgersdorp outside Tzaneen where he hid. “
The police investigation into the man’s murder continues.
