Police probe launched following death of Tanzanian man in Mowbray

The death of Isakwisa Atupele Mwamasage, known as Ras Isa, has raised alarm within the Mowbray community following allegations that he died in police custody.

The 34-year-old Tanzanian man was pronounced dead on Thursday at a local shop, with reports suggesting he may have been strangled during a police search operation.

According to the Tanzanian Cape Community vice chairperson, who asked not to be named, the shoemaker was in the shop when the police attacked him.

“The police went to search him; they suspected that he swallowed drugs, they manhandled him and pinned him down. We could see in the video how the two police men were sitting on him, and he was in the middle.

“We could only see from the waist down. It looked like he was strangled; he was not crying or making movements, he was just kicking his legs, and then peed on himself, and then stopped moving."

The vice chairperson said they have been left traumatised.

“Even if he was selling drugs, they were not supposed to kill him. I kept seeing that video every time I tried to sleep."

Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said the autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

“Preliminary investigations indicated that Mowbray police conducted stop-and-search operations on Thursday. They noticed a suspicious man near St Peters Street.

“It is alleged that when the police members approached the man, he took a small quantity of drugs which was in his possession and swallowed them. The members apprehended the man and detained him for possession of drugs. He complained of severe pains and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

“As a result, an inquest was registered for further investigation. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”

Provincial Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, said the docket will be investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

“If they are found to have done this, we will take steps. We police based on human rights, dignity, and respect, and make sure that there is professionalism when we do our jobs. If the person was doing anything that we don’t know, we are going to get the report from Ipid."

Ipid spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, said they have been notified of the incident and are yet to receive the docket so that the preliminary investigation can resume.

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