Urgent probe launched after soldier, 23, is discovered lifeless
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched an urgent investigation after the suicide of a soldier within months of another who took his own life.
Sapper Kim Mawa, a 23-year-old from the Royal Engineers, was found dead at Swinton Barracks in Wiltshire, on May 7.
His colleagues had raised concerns for the young man’s welfare before was found dead by paramedics at 10.22am.
An inquest at Salisbury Coroners Court heard that he died by hanging.
Kim Mawa was found dead at Swinton Barracks on May 7 after fellow soldiers raised concerns for his welfare
Ebrima Nyabally, who joined the Army when he was 17, was found dead in his room at barracks in Tidworth on February 25
A picture of the army barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire
One tribute said: ‘Spr Mawa, your passing has touched the entire regiment; your loss is deeply felt. 22 Engr Regt will not forget your smile and infectious smile. I hope you are at peace.’
Another tribute read: You’ll be missed Kimmy! I’ll hold our memories in my heart forever, you’ll never be forgotten, I hope you finally find peace!
‘You deserved more than what this world gave you! Rip strongest soldier.’
The MoD said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and that it ‘would be inappropriate to comment further’.
Wiltshire Police have stressed that ‘there are no suspicious circumstances’.
This is the second suicide to hit the barracks in the last few months. On February 25, 19-year-old Ebrima Nyabally was found dead in his room at the barracks in Tidworth.
Tributes poured in for Kim Mawa, 23, who was described as having an ‘infectious smile’
A photograph posted by Kim Mawa on social media back in 2019
Mr Nyabally, who was just five days into joining a new squadron, took his life just 24 hours after he had been arrested by the Royal Military Police for unknown reasons and released as there was ‘nothing to suggest any risk of suicide of self harm’.
A sergeant found him dead in his room during a routine check put in place to ensure his safety.
His father, Malang Nyabally, said at the time: ‘I am absolutely heartbroken. He did not die in the war, he died in the barracks. My family legacy is broken.’
The barracks has been met with a series of tragedies in recent years, with 23-year-old Fusilier Jake Llewellyn Plumb also found dead in his roo
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After a friend alerted colleagues that they’d received a message warning he was going to kill himself.
The young soldier, from Pembrokeshire, hanged himself in his barracks two days after his girlfriend broke up with him, a previous inquest heard.
An Army Spokesperson said: ‘It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of Sapper Kim Mawa at Swinton Barracks, Perham Down on 7 May 2024.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time, and we ask that their privacy is respected.
‘The circumstances surrounding this tragic death are being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
