An inmate has died once again, while under custody.

36-year-old Hamzath Ahmed, native to Thinadhoo island of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, died while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital in the capital Malé City. This has been confirmed by the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS).

While Hamzath is the third inmate to die this year, five others are reported to have died the previous year. A total of six inmates had died in 2016.

Information officer at MCS, Ahmed Lugman told RaajjeMV that Hamzath had suffered a stroke which had paralyzed half of his body, and was being given treatment at ADK Hospital at the time of his death. He said that Hamzath had suffered the stroke while playing football last Wednesday, adding that he had been in treatment since.

Officer Lugman added that Hamzath's family members were informed of the matter the same evening.

According to him, half of Hamzath's body was already paralyzed when the prison doctor checked on him, and he was immediately transferred to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). He was transferred to ADK Hospital on Friday, as he required a critical brain surgery.

A former football player for Club Valencia, Hamzath had been sentenced to life over a narcotics-related issue.