Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The family of the 30-year-old Veruschka ‘Lyna’ Damons has laid her to rest, but say they remain without answers about the circumstances surrounding her death in the holding cells of the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court.
Lyna’s parents, Vuyani Kula and Nerissa Damons, say they have been sent from pillar to post in their attempts to establish what happened to their daughter, whose body was discovered in the court holding cells on Monday 21 September.
As previously reported by this paper, Lyna had accompanied a friend to the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court when she allegedly assaulted an acting court control prosecutor.
A charge of assault was reportedly opened, after which Lyna was detained in the court holding cells while the matter was being processed.
A police official conducting rounds and monitoring people awaiting their court appearances reportedly came upon her body. The circumstances surrounding her death remain subject to investigation.
On Wednesday, 30 September, the Herald accompanied Kula and Damons to the court after, according to them, the Plett Police advised that arrangements had been made for them to view the holding cells where their daughter had been found.
The visit did little to ease their concerns. Damons said she struggled to understand how her daughter could have died after reportedly being found hanging from the bars of the holding cell gate.
“The gate is almost the exact same height as my daughter. How did she manage to hang herself when there is not space to do so?” she asked.
She also questioned the reported use of her daughter’s top in the hanging. “I smell a rat, and I won’t rest until I know what happened to my daughter. Lyna was many things, but she would never take her own life,” Damons said.
The family’s concerns do not themselves establish that foul play occurred. However, they say the circumstances warrant a thorough investigation to find clear answers about what had happened while Lyna was in custody.
The family is particularly frustrated by what they describe as limited communication from the investigating officer.
They say they have not been provided sufficient information about the investigation, or even a case number. Kula and Damons said they intend taking the matter further in their search for answers.
They did say, however, that the court supervisor and court manager were helpful and compassionate during their visit, providing some comfort during an otherwise distressing experience.
The relevant authorities have been approached for comment on the investigation and the circumstances surrounding this death. Their responses were unavailable at the time of going to press.
Lyna’s parents, Nerissa Damons and Vuyani Kula, visited the holding cells where their daughter allegedly hanged herself. Photo: Rozano Alie
Read previous article:
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
