Authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a prisoner who died while being transported in a police van on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Eduan Terblanche, was en route from the Mooi River Magistrate’s Court to holding cells in Pietermaritzburg when he was found dead upon arrival at the police station.
Terblanche was facing charges of murdering his partner, Stacey van Heerden, in a hotel incident that occurred last month.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident: “An inmate who was being transported from court was found dead inside the police van. The circumstances that could have led to his death are currently under investigation.”
Police have not yet released further details surrounding the cause of death, but have assured the public that a full inquiry is underway.