Man commits suicide in police cells at court
A man took his own life in the cells before his court appearance and his family wants answers.
Billy Byleveld, 32, took his own life while waiting for his court appearance in the Krugersdorp police cells at the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court.
Byleveld was arrested earlier in January on charges of theft and fraud.
On 23 January, after being in jail for 18 days, Byleveld was sent from one courtroom to another before his bail application appearance.
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He was accompanied by a cell guard and before being escorted back to the cells, he threatened that he would commit suicide because he was not prepared to go back to jail.
His stepfather tried to calm him down and comfort him before he was hustled to the cells.
That would be the last time his family would see him alive. While they were waiting for him to appear in court, a guard approached Byleveld’s stepfather to inform him that his stepson had committed suicide.
Byleveld’s family was devastated, since they had been assured by the guard who took their son to the cells, that he would be fine.
Byleveld hanged himself and was left hanging for almost two hours before the forensic team showed up.
Although Byleveld was always in a lot of trouble, his family wants to know why this happened in a place where people are supposed to be watched, especially after making claims like Byleveld did.
The News approached the police’s watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for comment.
Moses Dlamini, spokesperson for IPID, told the News that an investigation is still ongoing and that there is not much he can comment on right now.
When the News approach the Krugersdorp Court on the matter, the journalist was told that no one was available, and will ever be available, to talk to the media and referred the matter to the Department of Justice (DoJ).
Advocate TL Ramathikhithi of the DoJ said they have a specific protocol to follow in this matter and that the News’ request for comment has been forwarded to the chief directorate of the department.
The family has in the meantime sought legal advice on the matter.
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