'Popular' young soldier found dead at barracks after shower heard running

A "popular" young soldier was found dead at his barracks after his shower was heard running, with no concerns raised over his welfare, aninquestheard.

Kim Mawa, 23, a sapper with theRoyal Engineers, was found in his room at Swinton Barracks, Perham Down, Wiltshire, in May last year. Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court heard Mr Mawa, a member of 22 Engineer Regiment, had died from hanging. His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Rich Roberts said: “There were no concerns raised through the medical chain and that was checked with the medical officer.

“There were no concerns raised by the unit welfare officer and we also took the extra measure of checking with his previous units. No concerns were raised.

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“One statement was given subsequent to the unit padre by a member of one of the sub-units Kim was a part of where mental health was raised but that was the first time after Kim had passed that we were made aware of mental health issues.”

Col Roberts said Mr Mawa was not under investigation for any behaviour or disciplinary issues at the time of his death and had never been on the “at-risk” register.

He said: “Kim’s death came as a complete surprise to his friends, his colleagues, his chain of command and the broader regiment. As a result of Kim’s death, a number of individuals went for bespoke counselling and support, such was the surprise. He was a popular and well-liked member of the regiment.”

The inquest heard Mr Mawa was an “active gambler” who had spent around £11,000 with two gambling firms in the six months prior to his death, with a deficit of around £1,000, and his bank account was also overdrawn.

Concerns were raised for his welfare by colleagues who had returned to their barracks from a PT (physical training) session to still hear Mr Mawa’s shower running.

Senior non-commissioned officers opened his room door and found him inside. They alerted the emergency services who later confirmed his death. Police did not find any suspicious circumstances and ruled out third-party involvement.

The inquest heard Mr Mawa, who was born in Zimbabwe but moved to the UK with his family as a child, had joined the Army in 2018. Area coroner Ian Singleton recorded a conclusion of suicide.

He said: “Kim Mawa was a well-liked member of the Army with no history of mental health issues. In the period prior to his death, neither his friends, colleagues, or family had raised any concerns about his well-being.

“I find that Kim was a gambler leading to periods where his bank account was overdrawn. On May 7, a shower was heard in Kim’s accommodation and concerns were raised when it was still running some one-and-a-half hours later. Access was gained, and Kim was found deceased. A note was found in his handwriting indicating an intent to take his own life.”

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.