Mysterious
Death of Civilian Dragged behind South African Police Service Van found Dead in
Cell
Macia had bruises on genitals - autopsy
2013-03-11
12:42
Johannesburg
- An autopsy of Daveyton minibus taxi driver MidoMacia found he had died from
lack of oxygen, the Benoni Magistrate's Court heard on Monday.
Prosecutor
December Mthimunye said the post mortem found Macia had extensive internal and
external injuries, and had died as a result of hypoxia.
"Hypoxia,
I did Google it... it's a deprivation of oxygen," he said.
The
autopsy found lacerations at the back of Macia's head, on his scalp and jaw. He
had abrasions on his lips, forehead, cheeks, nose, legs, arms, and back.
He
had extensive haemorrhaging in his right lung and in the tissue surrounding his
heart. He was found in the holding cell at the Daveyton police station, in a
pool of blood, without any pants.
"There
were also bruises on the deceased's genitals."
Mthimunye
said Macia had injuries on his forearms.
"This
could indicate that he was warding off blows."
'Watertight
case'
The
State had a "watertight case" against the nine police officers
implicated in Macia's death.
"They
were seen dragging the deceased in full view of the public."
Mthimunye
said the State had witnesses who would testify that Macia had several injuries
when he was brought to the police station.
He
said it was not in the interests of justice for the nine to be granted bail.
They would endanger the public and attempt to influence and intimidate
witnesses, some of whom were their colleagues. He alleged that some evidence
had already disappeared.
"This
is not a straightforward case of murder. There was a lot of concealment."
Mthimunye
presented an affidavit from a local resident who opposed the bail. The person,
who organised a memorial service for Macia, said most residents believed the
nine did not deserve bail.
Local
residents chased away police officers and Gauteng's community safety MEC from
Macia's memorial service, according to the affidavit.
The
nine are: ThamsanqaNcema, 35, MeshackMalele, 45, Motome Walter Ramatlou, 37,
Percy Mnisi, 26, BongumusaMdluli, 25, Sipho Ngobeni, 30, LungisaEwababa 31,
BonganiKolisi, 27, and Linda Sololo, 56.
Macia was filmed being tied to
the back of a police van and dragged along a street in Daveyton on 26 February.
An eyewitness gave the footage to the Daily Sun newspaper.
Macia
was found dead in the police station's holding cells several hours later.
-
SAPA
Title Mine - “Mysterious Death of Civilian Dragged
behind South African Police Service Van found Dead in Cell”
