A 28-year-old man, Sikhumbuzo Ndlangamandla, from Jericho, Eswatini, died after ingesting a poisonous substance at the Nhlangano Police Station. The incident occurred on October 6, 2026, shortly after Ndlangamandla appeared in court on charges of assaulting his girlfriend and her sister. According to the charge sheet, Ndlangamandla was facing two counts: contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 15/2018 and common assault.
Ndlangamandla was accused of physically abusing his girlfriend on September 21 at Mathendele, by assaulting her with an open hand, threatening her with a sharp object, and threatening to kill her with a poisonous substance. He was also accused of assaulting his girlfriend's sister with an open hand on the face, while threatening her with a sharp object and a poisonous substance. The accused was granted bail of E3 000, subject to strict conditions, including not interfering with State witnesses.
During the court proceedings, Ndlangamandla was advised of his entitlement to appoint an attorney to represent him. The prosecutor requested that the accused be remanded in custody until October 14, 2026, for mention, pending trial on November 12, 2026. Sources present during the court hearing noted that Ndlangamandla appeared visibly overwhelmed, with bloodshot eyes suggesting he had been crying.
According to sources, Ndlangamandla's relatives were on their way to pay the required E3 000 bail amount when the incident occurred. Upon returning from court, Ndlangamandla produced a poisonous substance in a sachet, which he had concealed in his clothes, and ingested it while at the police station premises. Police officers immediately rushed Ndlangamandla to Nhlangano Health Centre, but he died while receiving treatment.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane, confirmed the incident. Zwane stated that the deceased was a 28-year-old male who had just returned from court and was being held at the police station awaiting his relatives to pay his E3 000 bail. She stated that he reportedly eluded police officers and ingested a poisonous substance.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of accused individuals in police custody. Ndlangamandla's death is under investigation, and it is unclear how he managed to obtain the poisonous substance. The police have not released further details about the substance or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ndlangamandla's case highlights the complexities of the justice system in Eswatini, particularly in cases involving domestic violence. The accused's actions have left his family and loved ones in shock, and the community is grappling with the implications of the incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for support systems and resources for individuals involved in the justice system.
Key points
- A 28-year-old man died after ingesting a poisonous substance at a police station in Eswatini.
- The accused was facing charges of assaulting his girlfriend and her sister.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of accused individuals in police custody.
