Anele Tembe’s death inquest examines alcohol, cocaine and injuries
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Maverick
The inquest into Anele Tembe’s death, after she fell from the 10th floor of a Cape Town hotel in April 2021, examined toxicology results and injuries found on her body. A pathologist presented her report during hearings seeking to establish the circumstances of the death, according to the Daily Maverick.
The inquest into Anele Tembe’s death, after she fell from the 10th floor of a Cape Town hotel in April 2021, is examining substances detected in her blood and the origin of her injuries, the Daily Maverick reports. The toxicology report presented at the hearing showed a blood alcohol level 0.1 milligrams above the legal limit. Traces of cocaine, antidepressants, mood stabilisers and psychiatric medication were also found.
During the pathologist’s questioning, the state prosecutor asked whether recent injuries could have been inflicted during an altercation shortly before the fall. The specialist said the appearance of the injuries did not make it possible to distinguish those caused by an assault from those caused by the fall. She also said several injuries could have resulted from hitting a tree, branches and leaves from which were found in Tembe’s hair and on her body.
The hearing then turned to marks on her neck. The pathologist identified two areas of haemorrhage and said they could have resulted from friction, compression or suction. The second round of witness questioning ended on 20 October. The inquest, which opened on 7 September, is examining the circumstances of the fall and evidence that could support or contradict the initial conclusion of a suspected suicide.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
