A patient from the Thabamoopo Psychiatric Hospital in Lebowakgomo has died after he was trapped in burglar bars at the institution while allegedly trying to escape.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo told the Polokwane Review that an inquest docket has been opened following the death..

The patient (34) removed part of a window frame in an attempt to escape the hospital but got trapped in the burglar bars in the early hours of Saturday.

The Department of Health’s spokesperson Neil Shikwambana says nursing staff rushed to see what was happening after hearing noise from the window.

“They discovered the patient trapped and hanging. Police and pathology services were called to the scene,” he says.

Mojapelo says the man died on the scene and was identified as Vuma Morris Molatelo.

“Investigations continue,” he says.