Man dragged by police van later dies

South African police were caught on video dragging a man hundreds of metres from the back of a police truck, hours before he died in custody.

The Mozambican taxi driver, Mido Macia (27), was found dead in detention with signs of head injuries and internal bleeding, according to an initial postmortem report.

The video shows the man scuffling with police, who subdue him. He is then bound to the back of the truck by his arms before the vehicle drives off in front of scores of witnesses in east Johannesburg. The incident, videotaped on Tuesday and broadcast yesterday, was condemned by President Jacob Zuma.

"The visuals of the incident are horrific, disturbing and unacceptable. No human being should be treated in that manner," said Zuma.

There were scenes of unrest yesterday as a crowd - some throwing stones - displayed their anger against a force accused of routine brutality.