A South African senior police officer has been allegedly beaten to death by an awaiting trial prisoner when the officer entered the suspect`s cell to give her medication.

According to Daily Sun SA, the female police officer, a colonel aged 48, was attacked by the awaiting trial prisoner on Saturday afternoon during a routine cell visit.

spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the deceased walked into the cell to wake the detainee and give her medication.

The detainee, who is suspected to have a mental condition, initially did not respond but then launched an attack on the policewoman.

“The suspect jumped on top of the colonel, grabbed her by her hair, banged her head several times against the wall and bit her in the neck,” Hlathi told media.

“Other colleagues tried to assist her, but it was too late as she was already seriously injured. The victim managed to walk on her own into the kitchen cells, but she collapsed shortly after.”

An ambulance was called and the police officer was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

According to police the suspect had previously been arrested for several incidents including a prior assault on a police officer and malicious damage to property.

“It also came forth that some time ago the same suspect attacked police officials while they were trying to apprehend her brother on an assault charge at their home.”

Hlathi said she would now face a further charge, of murder.