The Congolese who was lost in the prison system was freed yesterday after being locked away for eight years.

Ekoffo Charles appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday with his attorney Melrose Reid.

Charles was ordered released to the Immigration Department who would determine whether he should be deported or sent to a place of safety.

On his last appearance, Charles was remanded for medical examination. But, when he appeared on Wednesday, Charles looked well, his clothes were clean and he was now in touch with reality.

Spoke to court

He even spoke in court and was able to follow the proceedings while his matter was being dealt with. His attorney was quite pleased with the reforming process and was grateful to the African Rescue Mission for assisting Charles.

Dr Bongelo Gombele, a fellow African national who assisted Charles told the court that he was not able to contact any family member for the accused. However, the doctor will continue assisting Charles and hope that some contact can be made with his family in Congo.

When Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown spoke on the matter, he was more than happy to release Charles as his only contention before, was the fact that Charles did not have a passport and he was not sure of the accused man's nationality.