Man dies after failed prison break

POLICE at Okakarara are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of a trial-awaiting prisoner whose bruised body was discovered in his cell on Saturday evening.

Linus Muhimba (23) and his cellmate, 32-year-old John Muhenje, apparently tried to break out, but the Police foiled their plans. The two men, who were both awaiting trial on stock-theft charges, are alleged to have broken the wire mesh covering the ventilation hole in their cell and crawled into the space between the roof and the ceiling.Police on duty heard the noise.At this point, Police spokesperson James Matengu reported yesterday, the men apparently tried to rush back to their cell, when Muhimba allegedly fell to the ground and died.Matengu said, however, that this last piece of information was being questioned, as both men sustained serious visible injuries.Police are now investigating whether Muhimba’s death and the said injuries to the two men resulted from their attempt to break free as is claimed, or whether Police brutality had a role.Muhenje now faces an additional charge of attempted escape from lawful custody.The two men, who were both awaiting trial on stock-theft charges, are alleged to have broken the wire mesh covering the ventilation hole in their cell and crawled into the space between the roof and the ceiling.Police on duty heard the noise.At this point, Police spokesperson James Matengu reported yesterday, the men apparently tried to rush back to their cell, when Muhimba allegedly fell to the ground and died.Matengu said, however, that this last piece of information was being questioned, as both men sustained serious visible injuries.Police are now investigating whether Muhimba’s death and the said injuries to the two men resulted from their attempt to break free as is claimed, or whether Police brutality had a role.Muhenje now faces an additional charge of attempted escape from lawful custody.