Pretoria - National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega has sent her condolences to the family of a police officer who was strangled to death yesterday while on duty at the Katlehong police station.
"It is with grief that I have been informed by the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner about the circumstances that led to the death of Warrant Officer Phathumzi Latha," said Phiyega.
"Our deepest sympathies to his immediate family and work colleagues, who will experience a trying time brought about by his demise."
According to the police, Latha was responding to a callout from the cells at the station. He went through the first cell gate and when he opened the second one, he was attacked by two inmates who throttled him to death.
The two suspects, who are linked to car hijackings in Gauteng, have since escaped with the cell keys. Their alleged accomplices are still in police custody.
Meanwhile, Phiyega has called on police officers to exercise extreme caution when visiting cells. She stressed the importance of adhering to orders governing the management of police cells.
Counselling will be provided to Latha's colleagues through the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit.
