IPID Investigates after Beaufort west teen found dead in holding cell

Leonie Pretorius

30 June 2016

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating the murder of a teenage detainee who was allegedly killed by a cellmate at the Beaufort West Police Station.

Officers found 18-year-old Gerdo Karelse's body in a holding cell earlier this week. 

He had had been arrested on Sunday following a fight.

Officers were inspecting holding cells when they discovered Karelse in a pool of blood.

He'd been sharing the cell with another man, who has since been charged with his murder.

The matter is now being investigated by IPID.

IPID's Robbie Raburabu says, Police are investigating the murder but they are still investigating the circumstances around the death, as to whether the prescript of police standing orders were applied in terms of visitation.

Meanwhile, the accused has appeared in court on a charge of murder. He'll be back in the dock next week.