Five suspects have escaped from the Ongwediva Police Station holding cells.
The five detained men allegedly cut through the roof of the cells before escaping during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The police are calling for public assistance in tracing the escaped men.
According to Oshana police spokesperson Thomas Aiyambo, the suspects cut open the corrugated metal roof above the cells and fled through the opening.
Aiyambo said the escape was discovered during a routine inspection by officers on duty, upon discovering a suspicious flip-flop footprint.
“It is alleged that the suspects used an unknown object to cut the cell burglar door, went through the scuttle hole and used an unknown object to cut the corrugated iron on top,” he said.
A physical headcount later confirmed that five suspects were missing from a cell at the police station.
The escapees have been identified as Angula Shindinge, well known as Mapadi, who was arrested for housebreaking; Erasmus Bravo, arrested for domestic violence; Hangula Jesay Bishop and Martin Kabila Pohamba, both arrested for rape; and Gwiilundo Lonny Shimanya from Omaalala, who was arrested on charges of attempted murder and housebreaking of a residential premises.
“All escapees were remanded in custody without bail,” Aiyambo said.
The police are urging the public to assist with information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact Ongwediva Police Station at 081 387 4555, detective inspector Namupala at 081 214 9311, or the nearest police station.
Aiyambo said police investigations continue.
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