Colombia Arrests Four Policemen for Donovan Balanta’s Death
Technical Investigation Unit arrests a policeman. X/@UltimaHoraCR.
October 20, 2026 Hour: 9:29 am
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The officers are being investigated for the crimes of homicide and aggravated torture.
On Tuesday, the Technical Investigation Unit of the General Attorney’s Office arrested four members of the National Police for their responsibility in the death of Afro-Colombian Donovan Balanta, which occurred while he was in police custody in Bogota.
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The officers are being investigated for the crimes of homicide and aggravated torture. The investigation seeks to clarify both the reported physical assaults and the alleged failure to provide medical assistance that preceded the victim’s death.
According to authorities, the events date back to September 20, when a patrol responded to a dispute between neighbors in southern Bogota, which escalated into a confrontation between civilians and police officers.
During the operation, Donovan was detained by the officers. The Attorney General’s Office maintains that a sub-lieutenant and three patrol officers allegedly handcuffed him, punched and kicked him, and used a Taser on him.
The text reads, “New details emerge in the Donovan Balanta case: four police officers captured and two others sought”
The investigation indicates that, after his arrest, Balanta was taken to a police station, where the violence allegedly continued while he was detained within the official facilities.
According to the case file, the victim repeatedly requested medical attention due to respiratory difficulties and severe chest pains. Another detainee also reportedly requested assistance for Balanta, but he did not receive timely help.
The National Institute of Legal Medicine determined that the cause of death was a cardiac arrhythmia caused by the electric shocks he received during the procedure, according to the results of the forensic analysis.
Experts also documented multiple burns and various injuries on different parts of his body, evidence that supports the hypotheses investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office regarding possible acts of torture.
teleSUR: JP
Source: teleSUR
