By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
A 22-year-old prisoner awaiting trial on a stock theft charge who was being held at the Ondangwa holding cells committed suicide in a toilet last week Thursday, apparently by hanging himself with a string, which should not have been with him in holding cells.
According to police spokesperson, Warrant Officer, Kauna Shikwambi, the inmate committed suicide by hanging himself with a string in a toilet in the morning while other inmates had gone for breakfast.
Shikwambi identified the deceased as Mattie Nghipanda Heelu.
“When one of the prisoners returned from breakfast, he apparently found Heelu dead, hanging in the toilet,” she said.
Asked how the inmate obtained the string, Shikwambi said the prisoner apparently removed it from his boxer shorts.
“It is the duty and responsibility of officers to inspect all prisoners upon their arrival at the cells, we do not allow prisoners to enter the cells with any sharp objects or strings,” said the Warrant Officer.
Up to this point Shikwambi said no one knows the motive behind the suicide.
She said the now deceased never left a suicide note. Heelu was apparently being held in connection with stock theft case.
His next of kin have been notified about the death while police investigations continue.