Cannibalism case suspect found dead in prison cell

Sithembiso Sithole, 31, one of the men accused in the cannibalism case, was found hanging in a cell at the Ladysmith Correctional Facility on July 22, reports Estcourt and Midlands News.

Officers reportedly found the man’s lifeless body in a prison cell while doing a routine inspection.

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Claims are that Sithole was involved in an altercation with other offenders on the day and was removed to a single cell.

The correctional services department has not released an official statement on this matter, despite queries made almost two months ago.

Cannibalism suspect Sithembiso Sithole pictured in a holding cell during a court appearance on August 28, 2017.

Sithembiso Sithole appeared to be more jovial than his co-accused during court appearances at the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court.

He often looked around the gallery, smiling and making eye contact with people.

Choosing to bare his face in court, he did not make any attempt to cower behind a jacket or hoodie, like some of his co-accused. The practising traditional healer lived in Loskop and after a confession from his co-accused Nino Mbatha in August last year; police allegedly found body parts in containers in his home.

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