adminWhinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
A PRISONER allegedly committed suicide at Lupane Prison in Matabeleland North province by eating raw vegetables which had been treated with pesticide.
Aleck Tshuma, 59, of Bhangani Village in Lupane under Chief Mabhikwa, was serving an eight month term for possession of dangerous drugs. He allegedly ate the vegetables on Saturday last week and died on the following Monday.
Matabeleland North Acting police spokesperson, Assist Inspector Mandlenkosi Ndlovu confirmed the inmate’s death and said investigations were underway.
A prison officer who preferred anonymity said inmates with short term sentences were granted privileges such as walking around the prison without guards.
It is alleged that on Saturday at around 6 AM, Tshuma woke up and proceeded alone to the prison garden which is about a kilometre away from the main compound.
Prisoners, the officer said, usually take turns to guard the vegetable garden.
The source said at around 12PM other inmates went to water the garden and they found Tshuma lying on the ground writhing in pain. The officer said the other inmates carried him back to the prison complex where he was attended to by the prison nurse. “We suspected he had ingested some pesticide. He was rushed to Lupane Clinic where he was treated and discharged,” said the officer.
On Monday his condition deteriorated and he died in the prison cells.
Online Reporter