1 August 2001
The identity of the person who passed away on 26 July 2001 in an Australian detention centre has been confirmed. The deceased is a South African citizen and the next-of-kin has been notified. However, the family has requested that the details of the deceased not be released publicly and the Department of Foreign Affairs accordingly grants that wish.
According to the Australian authorities, the deceased was detained by Australian Immigration , on suspicion of travelling on a false South Africa passport, as well as unlawfully working on a tourist visa. The deceased was found hanging from a drainage pipe in the bathroom of a unit in the Villawood detention centre.
No further information on the circumstances surrounding the incident has yet been received from the Australian authorities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this death in detention.
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs