An inquest docket was opened on Friday into the death on Wednesday night of a Nigerian national under arrest for cocaine possession, police said.
Captain Schalk Bornman said an autopsy was done on Thursday morning and the pathologist’s report will form part of an investigation including forensic tests and an inquest to establish the exact cause of the man’s death.
The Nigerian, who will be identified at the inquest, was arrested in Banket Street in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, at 5.50pm on Wednesday and was taken in a car to Hillbrow police station accompanied by three police officers. On arrival at the station he collapsed. Paramedics declared him dead on the scene.
The body was transferred to the government mortuary on Constitutional Hill where an autopsy was carried out on Thursday.
Rumours began circulating that police had assaulted the man, causing his death. An angry crowd staged a demonstration which police dispersed.
Bornman said the allegations were the subject of another investigation which will be conducted as a matter of urgency by a senior officer to be appointed by the Area Commissioner. – Sapa