A teenager has died after he was brutally assaulted while in police custody.
The 18-year-old was allegedly attacked by a fellow detainee in the holding cells at the Beaufort West police station.
The police’s Malcolm Poje says: “Subsequently we have arrested a 29-year-old suspect who was a co-detainee in the same cell. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.”
Authorities say the body of Gerdo Karelse was found on Monday morning during cell inspections.
He was in jail after being arrested for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.
It’s been reported that Karelse was found naked, his lips had been missing and that teeth had lay scattered around him.
Zuko Mqungquthu, 29, was charged with the teen’s murder and appeared in the Beaufort West Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
He was remanded in custody until his bail application on July 5.