Vrygrond residents demand answers after death at police station

On the night of Saturday, 8 August, Cebisa Silwana, a 46-year-old woman, passed away at Muizenberg police station. She had recently given birth to a stillborn child via C-section. Her family had pleaded with the police not to arrest her, as she was recovering from the surgery. Despite her condition, Cebisa was allegedly pinched against a wardrobe and taken to the police station by officers, including Lieutenant-Colonel Delmore Manuel, who is currently facing charges related to assault and torture.

The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation, but it remains unclear if police misconduct played a role. Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk stated that the matter is under investigation, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said they are not involved as the incident does not fall under their jurisdiction.

An inquest docket has been opened to examine the circumstances of Cebisa's passing, and community members are skeptical of the police's ability to conduct a fair investigation.