An investigator in the Thabo Bester case has died of a suspected suicide.

On Monday, authorities reported the death of one of the detectives in the Thabo Bester jail escape investigation.

“The circumstances surrounding the death of the senior officer, who is also the provincial leader of organised crime in the Free State, are still under investigation.”

“The SAPS management does not intend to discuss this subject in public.”

“In-house staff health and wellness professionals, including chaplains, have been despatched to give psychological services to the deceased member’s family and colleagues,” police spokesman Brig Athlenda Mathe said.

Mathe refused to acknowledge claims in the media that he had committed suicide.

But, according to individuals close to the inquiry, he shot himself.

Gen Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, praised the officer as a diligent, devoted, and committed detective with 31 years of service.

“He has proved himself to be a very accomplished investigator with a plethora of experience and expertise in the investigative environment throughout the years.” “His departure creates a hole in the SAPS investigative atmosphere,” Mathe stated.