Reports that a 36-year-old inmate committed suicide in the holding cells of the high court in Grahamstown hours before he was due to be sentenced shocked local residents this week.
Reports that a 36-year-old inmate committed suicide in the holding cells of the high court in Grahamstown hours before he was due to be sentenced shocked local residents this week.
Phindile Mnyamana Sogcwayi, 36, from Addo was due to appear in the high court for sentencing when police discovered him dead in the holding cells.
Grahamstown police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said on Wednesday 20 May around 2.15pm police officers reported that they had found the man in the holding cells with a yellow sock around his neck.
Govender said the sock was tied and secured to the burglar bars of the cells.
"The accused was appearing on a charge of rape and sexual assault on a minor girl in an Addo case which was being heard in the Grahamstown high court," she said.
Govender said an inquest docket has been opened for investigation.
Addo police spokesperson Warrant Officer Gerda Swart was unable to give details about the case at the time of going to press. anele@grocotts.co.za
