UK launches urgent probe at army barracks after soldier, 23, is found dead just months after another took his own life

The UK 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 he was found dead by paramedics at 10.22am. An inquest at Salisbury Coroners Court heard that he died by hanging.

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.

Mr Ebrima 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 or 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 have been met with a series of tragedies in recent years, with one 23-year-old Fusilier Jake Llewellyn Plumb also found dead in his room 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.