Atlantis cops are being investigated after a man was found dead in the police holding cells on Sunday morning.
It is alleged that Demitri Brewell, 24, from Beacon Hill, was beaten up by several officers after he was arrested for alleged drug possession.
His devastated brother Jacques Solomons says this was the second time his baby brother was assaulted by police.
“A week prior to his death, police stopped him but found nothing on him. They beat him, his face was still swollen from that beating,” says Jacques.
“On Saturday, they arrested him as they found something on him. On Sunday morning at 4am, police came to our house to tell us he died.”
Demitri had no children and was working with his father who sells wood.
‘FATAL BEATING’: Demitri Brewell
“When we got to the police station, no one could say what happened. He had his ups and downs, he didn’t tik but smoked dagga,” says Jacques.
“He was not a gangster and didn’t hurt, rob or steal from anyone for his habit.”
Jacques says his brother didn’t deserve such a brutal death: “If he had died at home or at hospital, there would be fewer questions, but he did not.
“We heard they [cops] beat him up, took him to hospital, the hospital sent him back and he died in the cells.
“He didn’t deserve it. He was a hardworking and lovable person.
“As a family, we will be taking
further action against the police,” the emotional brother added.
INVESTIGATION: Man died in custody at the Atlantis Police Station
But according to police spokesperson, Siyabulela Malo, Demitri “collapsed” in the cells.
“Circumstances surrounding the death of a 24-year-old male who collapsed in the police cells at Atlantis, in the early hours of Sunday morning at about 12.30am, are being investigated.
“The suspect was apprehended on Saturday after he was found in possession of drugs at Edinburgh Place.
“The post-mortem is yet to be conducted to determine the cause of his death,” Malo said.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) acting spokesperson, Sontaga Seisa, said: “IPID confirms that we received the death in police custody in Atlantis police station and we have commenced our investigation.
“We have not effected any arrest .”