The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating the death of a rape suspect in police custody at Thembalethu police station in George.
Police spokesperson, Captain Dumile Gwavu, said 28-year-old Bongani Qubu was initially rescued by police from the hands of a mob who had assaulted him.
He said it is alleged that Qubu of Uniondale had kicked down the door to the house of a 69-year-old woman in Zone 9 in Thembalthu on Monday night and threatened her with a knife before raping her.
"He fell asleep on the bed after the rape and the woman called for help from the community who assaulted him," Gwavu said.
"He was rescued by the police from the community and got medical treatment from an ambulance. He was detained for rape at Thembalethu police station where he died later," Gwavu said.
He said a case of murder is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
George SAPS has also called on the community not to take the law into their own hands and anyone who acts against the law will face the law.
