Trial awaiting inmate allegedly commits suicide in police holding cells

A 50-year-old trial awaiting inmate on Tuesday allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in a police holding cell at Coblenz in the Okakarara Constituency.

The Namibian Police Force’s (NamPol) Head of Community Affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha told Nampa the deceased left behind a suicide note.

“It is alleged that he tore a piece of cloth from his bed sheet and went into the toilet, where he climbed on to the wall to reach a small window. He tied the cloth to the burglar bars and hanged himself,” said Mbeha.

The deceased was alone in the cell during the time of the incident as other inmates were booked out for court appearances, she said.

The inmate was in custody for two separate cases of rape which allegedly took place at Okamatapati in 2022 and in April this year.

His next of kin were yet to be informed of his death and no foul play is suspected.

Source: NAMPA