Lesufi to ‘monitor’ probe into death of foreign national in Joburg CBD

The man’s death led to a violent confrontation between a group of protestors, who shut down Commissioner Street, accusing the police of assaulting and killing one of the residents.

Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

Lesufi says according to a statement by the police, they received a tip-off involving drugs at one of the buildings.

"On arrival at room 121, they knocked at the door and the person inside the room refused to open the door. The police forced the door open and found the suspect inside. After searching the flat, they found an undisclosed amount of cash, dagga and white substance believed to be drugs.

“The suspect then took the officers to room 222 in Panorama Court. On the way to the second floor, the suspect became weak and collapsed at the stairs. He was certified dead on the scene," police said in their statement.

The police told Lesufi that a pathologist was called to the scene to inspect the body.

"On his arrival, he inspected the body and did not see physical injuries to the body. The cause of death will be determined during the post-mortem to be conducted on Wednesday."

 Lesufi has called on angry residents to remain calm, saying his office will monitor the investigation into the man’s death.

“We are calling for calm and are pleading with the residents to allow the investigation on the passing of the suspect to take place without any interference. Violence and vandalism will not solve the problem.”

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