A man has died of head injuries while held in a police station in Swaziland.

He is said to have repeatedly hit his head against the wall of his cell.

Sihle Bhembe, aged 26, was taken to the old Mbabane Police Station, after becoming disturbed at his home. His family say he had a history of emotional problems.

He was kept in a holding cell at the police station for three days from last Thursday (7 June 2012). His body was discovered on Saturday morning.

Bhembe's family told the Times of Swaziland they had been told he repeatedly hit his head against the wall. They have called for an independent pathologist to examine his body as they suspect foul play in his death. The family told the newspaper they were not called by police to examine the body after the death occurred.

They also questioned how police did not hear Bhembe banging his head against the wall, as the holding cells at the police post are close to the reception where there is an on-duty police officer.