Awaiting trial prisoner who claimed to have not eaten for weeks dies in court cells
A Western Cape woman facing two assault charges dropped dead in the holding cells of Cape Town Magistrate’s Court after reporting she had not eaten for three weeks. The Independent Police Investigations Directorate (Ipid) opened an inquest into the mysterious death of Nomthandazo Loliwe‚ 26‚ of Delft‚ on Friday afternoon.Ipid said Loliwe died whilst in the court cells after she appeared on two separate charges of assault.She was arrested and detained at Woodstock Police Station.Spokesperson Langa confirmed the incident‚ saying Loliwe was brought (on Friday morning) to the court and‚ at about 10.30‚ she complained to the police of feeling sick."The ambulance was called and paramedics examined her‚ but didn't find anything wrong with her and left. She appeared and after her appearance was taken back to the court holding cells where she collapsed at about 12.30 and was later thereafter declared dead by paramedics‚" she said.Langa said their investigation has not suggested any foul play.She said Loliwe's fellow detainees confirmed the deceased collapsed and died in the cell."She also allegedly reported to them that she hasn't eat anything for about three weeks‚" she said. ..
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