South African woman dies at Mauritian resort

REUTERS File photo: Darren Staples

A South African woman has been found dead in a swimming pool at a Mauritian resort.
Lee-Ann Palmarozza, 34 and a mother of one, was on holiday with her boyfriend, 40-year-old businessman Peter Wayne Roberts, also from South Africa. They were staying at Anahita The Resort on the east coast of Mauritius. 
 
Palmarozza was found dead on Sunday.  “The autopsy showed no signs of bruises, and murder was ruled out,” Mauritian police said yesterday. 

 
However, Palmarozza’s brother, Shaun, said he had been told the autopsy indicated that his sister had severe bruising and an injury to her forehead. He said Mauritian police had told him unofficially they were investigating a charge of murder.
But Mauritian police rejected his statements. They said Palmarozza’s body was awaiting repatriation.
Shaun said that, according to his information, Roberts was with his sister about midnight, when he left to take a shower. When Roberts returned, he couldn’t find her and reported this to the hotel security. A search was launched and his sister was found dead in the pool.
Roberts contacted their parents, said Shaun, and told them there had been an accident.
There was some suggestion that Lee-Ann had been taking drugs, but according to her brother’s source, the autopsy found no such evidence.
The resort’s management said that her death was very unfortunate, and sent condolences to her family.
The Department of International Relations on Saturday said it was providing assistance in Mauritius following the death.
“We are aware of the case,” said departmental spokesman Nelson Kgwete.
“Our embassy in Port Louis is liasing with all affected parties and providing consular support.”