IN a dramatic turn of events, a Nigerian man who was trying to evade arrest died after swallowing drugs he had on his possession.
This happened during an Operation Shanela in the Springs CBD, Ekurhuleni on Thursday morning, 25 April.
The man was arrested but his condition rapidly deteriorated at the police station, leading to an urgent need for medical attention.
Despite being provided water by the officers and rushed to the hospital, he tragically died upon arrival.
Ekurhuleni District police deputy commissioner Brigadier Lebohang Machakela confirmed that the man would be charged posthumously with drug possession.
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Further investigations are underway to identify the substance found in the man's bloodstream.
"At the moment the amount of drugs swallowed by the suspect is unknown. The little to be found in him is still going to be quantified," said Machakela.
He also highlighted that Operation Shanela was initiated in Springs due to the prevalence of crimes such as illegal mining and house robberies.
More than 200 suspects wanted for various crimes have been apprehended as part of the operation.
"Operation Shanela in Springs is ongoing," he said.
