A REMANDEE at Nchelenge State Prison, who disappeared from his St Paul’s Mission Hospital bed five days ago, has been found dead.
The 29-year-old James Mutale of no fixed abode, who was facing defilement charges, was rushed to the hospital on Sunday after falling ill and because of his condition the medical authorities at the health facility admitted him.
On Monday around 18: 00 hours, Mutale escaped from the hospital after the prison warder who was guarding him went outside to fetch some food leaving him unattended on account of his condition.
Luapula Province, Deputy Commissioner of Police Stephen Mayoko said in an interview that the deceased’s body was discovered this morning by passersby near Kashikishi’s Christian Missions for Many Lands Church by the road side.
Mr Mayoko said the deceased’s body is currently at the Saint Paul’s Hospital mortuary.
The Luapula Deputy Police Chief, however, ruled out any foul play.
Before being incarcerated, Mutale worked at Mupundu Village in Kambwali Chiefdom.
Mr Mayoko explained that a visit by the police at Mutale’s former employers drew a blank as his former employer is reported to have relocated to Kabuta.
He has since appealed to Mutale’s relatives to report Nchelenge Police Station to claim the body for burial.
Another remandee at the same prison, 55-year-old Boston Kamanga of Kabilo Village at Isokwe Island in Chief Kambwali’s area died at  St Paul’s Mission Hospital on Easter Monday.
Kamanga was in detention for violating the 2013/2014 annual fish ban.
Mr Mayoko explained that the deceased died after a long illness and  was buried yesterday. – ZANIS