For Antoinette Beukman every day is a struggle to come to terms with her son Wesley Schultz\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old died recently in the Elsburg Police Station\u2019s holding cells after he was arrested on a charge of domestic violence.<\/p>
Beukman told the GCN that Schultz had apparently been taken to the cells at about 3.30pm and at 5.40pm was found dead.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe police tell me he hanged himself using a cord from his pants but I don\u2019t know how that could have happened with four people in the cells with him,\u201d said Beukman.<\/p>
\u201cI have been asking and asking for answers but none are forthcoming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beukman added that she had spoken to the station commander a number of times but received no help.<\/p>\n
She claims that when the family viewed his body in the morgue it looked as if he had been badly beaten.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had bruises all over his body which we found at the second independent autopsy because at the state mortuary they would not let us see the entire body when we went to identify his body,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second autopsy revealed the marks on his body and face were made before death.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beukman said that she believes he was beaten sometime either before he was taken to the cells or when he was in the cells.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was an aggressive person but not a suicidal one and something about the situation does not add up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are too many unanswered questions surrounding his death. Something doesn\u2019t feel right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beukman added that when she requested access to the cell where he had allegedly hanged himself her request was denied.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Have you seen Magnie?<\/a><\/p>\n Elsburg SAPS members seize dagga, arrest two<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe would have to have stood on something to get high enough to hang himself,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to see where it took place.\u201d<\/p>\n She also claims that the police did not do rounds at the cells and that there are no cameras in the cells to monitor arrestees.<\/p>\n \u201cI was also extremely upset about the way we were told of his death.<\/p>\n \u201cThey just called and said \u2018Wesley is no more\u2019 which I find an inappropriate way of telling someone their loved one has died,\u201d Beukman said.<\/p>\n \u201cA life is now gone and we don\u2019t know what actually happened.\u201d<\/p>\n The GCN requested comment from the Elsburg SAPS on the matter and Const Daphney Phooko, the communications officer for the Elsburg police said: \u201cA detective is investigating an inquest docket where a man hanged himself using string from his pants, which were worn underneath other pants.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the arrest and detention of the suspect he was searched for items which he could injure himself with and none were found.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was not assaulted by police officers or his cellmates.<\/p>\n \u201cThe investigation is continuing and the progress will be communicated as and when the need arises.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate\u00a0<\/span>pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n