The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has launched an investigation into the death of a 42-year-old Nigerian national who allegedly collapsed and died while the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a raid at his Bellville home on Thursday.

According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, police officers received a tip-off about suspected drugs at a residence in Parksig Villas.

“Upon arriving at the premises, the members obtained permission to enter and conducted a search. During the operation, they recovered an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, 258 mandrax tablets and a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine.”

Traut further added that as police members proceeded to place the suspect under arrest, he allegedly became unwell and collapsed.

“Police members immediately requested emergency medical assistance. Paramedics responded to the scene and attempted to resuscitate the suspect, but he was unfortunately declared deceased at the scene.”

IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said a post-mortem was conducted on Friday, with the findings revealing that the deceased sustained multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest.

“IPID’s investigation will focus on the death that occurred due to police action and we need to allow the investigation to take its course.”

IPID also revealed that another person was injured after police were forced to use rubber bullets when the situation escalated.

“Residents allegedly became unruly, and the police allegedly used rubber bullets to manage the situation. One of the residents was allegedly injured by a rubber bullet,” IPID added.