The man accused of kidnapping a toddler, Moses Mongwe (30), was found dead in a Giyani holding cell on Tuesday morning.
He was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and disappearance of a 19-month-old toddler at Shawela Village a fortnight ago. He appeared in the Giyani Magistrate's Court on Monday and his case was postponed to Tuesday, but he was found dead in the holding cell before that could happen.
According to the police the toddler's mother had allegedly visited Mongwe, whom she had allegedly met through social media. An argument apparently erupted when she wanted to return home.
The suspect apparently followed her to the local bus stop where he snatched the child from her and disappeared into the nearby bushes. The police were notified, and they reacted swiftly. A case of kidnapping was then opened and a search operation for both the suspect and the toddler was activated.
"On Tuesday morning, the body of the suspect, Mongwe, was found dead in the police holding cell. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated," said SAPS spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo. The baby is still missing.