One of the senior investigating officers in the Thabo Bester escape saga has passed away. The South African Police Service confirmed his death saying they will investigate the cause of his death. Reports state that the officer ,who attended Bester's lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana's court case earlier today died in a suspected suicide.

A DEDICATED DETECTIVE

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has described the member, who at the time of his death had 31 years of uninterrupted service, as a hardworking, loyal and dedicated detective. "Over the years, he has proven himself to be a highly skilled detective with a wealth of experience and knowledge in crime detection. His departure leaves a void in the SAPS detective environment. On behalf of the SAPS, our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our officer, " said General Fannie Masemola.

CAUSE OF DEATH NOT REVEALED 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said circumstances surrounding the senior officer's death, who is also the provincial head of organised crime in the Free State, remains the subject of a police investigation. "The SAPS management wishes not to discuss this matter in the public domain," Mathe said. She added that out of respect for his family, the identity of the deceased senior officer will be released once they are certain that all of his family members have been notified. "The SAPS in-house Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) experts which include chaplains and psychologists have been dispatched to provide psychosocial services to the family and colleagues of the deceased member," said Masemola.