Probe into death of woman in court holding cells

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The circumstances surrounding the death of 30-year-old Veruschka Damons are being investigated following the discovery of her body in the holding cells of the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday 21 September.

Initial information provided by the police indicated that the body of a 25-year-old woman was found at the court's holding cells at about 14:20.

Her mother, Nerissa Damons, subsequently identified her and clarified that she was 30 years old.

The police initially indicated that the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for further investigation.

Southern Cape Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies later clarified that, while the matter was reported to Ipid, the investigation is being conducted by Plettenberg Bay detectives.

He said an internal investigation had also been instituted by Plettenberg Bay police management.

According to Nerissa, Veruschka had been detained at the court after allegedly attacking a magistrate and appearing to be behaving erratically. She said her daughter struggled with drug addiction and behavioural problems.

Nerissa said that on Saturday 19 September, Veruschka smashed one of the windows at her home in Ebenezer. "I called the police and told them to take her in and detain her as it would help to calm her down, otherwise all my windows would have been smashed," she said.

According to Nerissa, Veruschka later accompanied a friend to court on the day of her death. She said police informed the family that they suspected Veruschka had hanged herself using her hooded top, reportedly attaching it to the bars of the holding cell.

Nerissa questioned why her daughter was detained in a confined cell after allegedly becoming distressed and behaving erratically, why she was not escorted from the building and why she was allegedly left unattended.

"Even though my child was troubled, she would never go to such an extent to hang herself," she said.

Nerissa said her family was awaiting feedback from authorities about the circumstances leading to her daughter's death, particularly what transpired in the moments before she allegedly took her own life. "At this stage all we know is that she hanged herself and nothing else. We demand answers," she said.

Nerissa said Veruschka's father noticed a lump on her neck when the family identified her body at the mortuary. She said she did not notice any bruising because the body was covered with a white sheet up to the chin.

Veruschka was the mother of an eight-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother. Spies said the circumstances surrounding the matter remain under investigation.

The late 30-year-old Veruschka Damons. Photo: Supplied

The back entrance to the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court holding cells, where detainees are held before being transported to correctional facilities in Knysna and surrounding areas. Photos: Rozano Alie