Dragged Taxi Driver 'Had Extensive Injuries'

Nine South African police officers charged with the murder of a Mozambique taxi driver have appeared in court for a bail hearing.

The death of Mido Macia caused outrage around the world after video footage was published appearing to show him being handcuffed and dragged behind a police vehicle.

Mr Macia was later found dead by another officer in a police cell in Daveyton, Johannesburg.

Police have claimed they put 27-year-old Mr Macia in a police van to take him to a police station. Officers have said they cannot explain how he died, though other inmates have claimed he was beaten to death.

Video of Mr Macia dragged behind a police van was shown around the world

The court heard he suffered extensive injuries culminating in hypoxia - a lack of oxygen to the body - which caused his death.

According to a report by pathologist Reggie Perumal, Mr Macia had extensive abrasions on his face, limbs and body, deep cuts on his forearms and wrists and "almost full thickness lacerations of the head".

He also had bruising to his ribs, back, testicles and lips and bite marks on his tongue, as well as bleeding and water on the brain.

Several dozen protesters gathered outside Benoni Magistrates Court in Johannesburg as the nine officers - aged between 25 and 57 - sat together in court, some dressed in suits, others in casual clothes.

Mr Macia's parents arrive at the court in east Johannesburg

Eight officers were originally arrested in connection with Mr Macia's death while a ninth who was on duty that day has since turned himself in. All have been refused bail.

South Africa's police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, said Mr Macia suffered head injuries and internal bleeding after officers tried to arrest him for allegedly obstructing traffic.

Police in South Africa are known for heavy handedness when dealing with the public, and the police watchdog is handling numerous cases of police brutality.

In the 12 months before March 2010, according to Amnesty International, there were 920 complaints of serious assault and 294 deaths in custody.

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