Man dies in prison break
2006-06-20 09:02
Durban - An inmate of the New Hanover Prison in KwaZulu-Natal died of a gunshot wound in an apparent escape bid by seven inmates, police said on Monday.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Gwala said as the 19-year-old was being returned to his cell one of his fellow inmates grabbed the prison warder, while the youth grabbed the warder's firearm.
The warder's keys were also taken.
The warder managed to free himself and fled though the courtyard, seeking help.
Gwala said that gunshots were heard when the warder returned with his colleagues. The 19-year-old was lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the neck and the gun beside him.
He died before paramedics arrived at the scene.
Gwala said it appeared that the man's six fellow inmates had attempted to use the keys to open another door out of the courtyard, but none of the keys unlocked the door.
An inquest docket has been opened and the awaiting-trial prisoner who grabbed the warder will be charged for attempting to escape.
The identity of the 19-year old, who was facing charges of theft from a motor vehicle, has not been released as his next of kin had not been informed of his death.
Gwala said the possibility of suicide could not be ruled out.
- SAPA