Mental Patient Hit By Train After Escape

Francistown Police  Station Commander, Superintendent Mokuedi Mphathi told Monitor that the man had escaped from the mental institution and later attempted to commit suicide by standing in front of a moving train. "Fortunately, the train did not injure him seriously and he escaped with minor injuries. He is now recovering well at Nyangabgwe," he said.

Mpathi said the man would not be charged with any offence because of his mental status. Information reaching Monitor indicate that the man escaped from hospital after he said he wanted to commit suicide by hanging himself. Sources close to the case reveal that the mentally disturbed man initially failed to hang himself and was seen going around with a chain around his neck. Afterwards, he proceeded to the railway line where he stood in front of a train next to the Department of Engineering and Building Services (DEBS). "The train was not travelling at high speed and it immediately stopped after hitting the man," an eyewitness said.