Seventy-five-year-old Jeremiah Mmatli has died in prison. Mmatli was being held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria following his arrest last month.
He, along with Daniel Madumo, 92, was accused of allegedly killing Godfrey Temu, 80, at an old-age home in Jericho, North West.
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The unfortunate incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, 30 May. According to police spokesperson Amanda Funani, the victim, Godfrey Temu, had bumped into one of the accused.
This encounter quickly escalated into a physical altercation. “The victim allegedly bumped one of the suspects, who hit the former with his crutches. The suspect’s companion apparently joined his friend, and they both assaulted the victim,” Funani explained.
Singabakho Nxumalo, the spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, confirmed Mmatli’s death on Thursday last week.
“I can confirm the passing of Jeremiah Mmatli on 20 June 2024. He was remanded at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. We are not in a position to disclose the cause or nature of death,” Nxumalo stated in a brief response.
Meanwhile, Daniel Madumo is expected to return to the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for continuation of his bail proceedings.
The matter was postponed to Tuesday after Madumo was unable to make it to court. The legal proceedings are closely watched, given the gravity and sensitivity of the case.
