The family of 30-year-old Veruschka “Lyna” Damons has laid her to rest but says it is still searching for answers about how she died while in the holding cells of the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court.
Damons had accompanied a friend to court when she allegedly assaulted an acting court control prosecutor. An assault charge was reportedly opened, after which she was detained in the court holding cells while the matter was being processed.
A police official conducting rounds and monitoring people awaiting court appearances later reportedly discovered her body in the holding cells. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
According to her parents, Vuyani Kula and Nerissa Damons, police informed the family that Lyna had allegedly been found hanging from the bars of the holding-cell gate, using her top.
On Wednesday, 30 September, the family visited the court after they said Plettenberg Bay police had arranged for them to view the holding cells where their daughter was found.
The visit, however, left the family with further questions.
Damons questioned how her daughter could have hanged herself from the gate, saying it appeared to be almost the same height as Lyna.
“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.
“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, on their own, establish that foul play occurred. However, they are calling for a thorough investigation into what happened while Lyna was in custody.
The family has also expressed frustration over what it describes as limited communication from the investigating officer. Kula and Damons say they have not received sufficient information about the investigation and had not been given a case number.
Police previously clarified that although the matter had been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the investigation is being conducted by Plettenberg Bay detectives. An internal investigation was also instituted by Plettenberg Bay police management.
The family says it intends taking the matter further in its search for answers.
Despite their concerns, Lyna’s parents said the court supervisor and court manager were helpful and compassionate during their visit, providing some comfort during an otherwise distressing experience.
The authorities have been approached for comment on the investigation and the circumstances surrounding Lyna’s death. Their responses were not available at the time of the latest report.
