SAMPLES from a post-mortem done on a young man who died in police custody Monday this week have been sent to Australia for further testing.
Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast said the doctor who did the post-mortem decided to send the samples to verify certain aspects of the results.
David Saemala, 23, of Malaita died on Monday at the Central Watch House where he was held on a warrant of arrest since Friday.
Mr Prendergast said at this stage, he can’t say much until the cause of death is determined through the post mortem.
He said after the post term is concluded, they will produce a report to Director of Public Prosecution as required under the Death and Fire Inquiries Act.
“This is to allow the DPP to conduct a hearing on the matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Opposition Group is calling for an independent thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the Opposition said whilst it appreciates the Police Commissioner’s seriousness in investigating this matter, it says it is only right that officers that were on duty during the relevant period when the victim was taken into custody up to the time of his death, must be identified and questioned.
“These officers should be suspended forthwith whilst the internal police investigations are underway,” it said.
The Opposition Group added the unfortunate death of the young man whilst in police custody raises a lot of questions.
“We are appealing for a thorough and fair investigation into the death of the boy in light of the serious allegations of police brutality,” the statement said.
The Oppositions call comes amidst serious questions raised by members of the deceased who are questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of their son whilst in police custody.
“The fact that the young man died in police custody already brings the matter into serious question because he died whilst in the custody of the state. And this is a serious issue that police must get to the bottom of it,” it said.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
