A man who pleaded guilty on multiple charges of rape fell ill in a holding cell and died while the court was in recess. Stock photo.Johannes Jojo Shabangu, 35, who pleaded guilty to 14 counts of rape and 11 of robbery with aggravating circumstances, died in a holding cell in North West on Wednesday.He fell ill and collapsed in the holding cell while the court was in recess on Wednesday.
North West National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the matter was set for victim impact statements to be read in court before Shabangu's sentencing.When it emerged that he had fallen ill, the matter was rolled over to Thursday for him to receive medical attention.However, on Thursday it was confirmed in court that Shabangu had been declared dead by paramedics on Wednesday afternoon and a death certificate was presented to the court.