Three awaiting-trial inmates who escaped from holding cells rearrested

ZAMBEZI regional police commander Andreas Shilelo says three Zambian awaiting-trial inmates who escaped from the Ngoma police holding cells on Saturday have been rearrested, while two Namibians are still on the run.

“One of our officers opened the door for them, breaking our own rules.

There will not be an investigation there, the law will just take its own course. We were concerned about these three Zambians but we now have them. The two Namibians will be caught very soon,” he says.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson and head of community policing in the Zambezi region inspector Kisco Sitali urges the public to report any suspicious individuals in their area, while warning farmers not to employ anyone without verifying their true identities.

“Those in the transportation industry are advised not to pick up passengers at suspicious places.

These fugitives might seek help at isolated places like fishing camps, cattle posts or drinking pubs,” he says.

According to Sitali, the inmates escaped from the holding cells by overpowering the police officer who was unlocking the holding cell where they were being kept, and in the process, pepper sprayed him before fleeing.

“It is alleged that the officer was alone at the holding cells and he was overpowered by the inmates as they pepper sprayed him in his eyes,” he says.

“The police are still on the ground tracking and tracing the two remaining escapees,” he says of the two escapees who were arrested for alleged murder and rape, respectively.

— Additional reporting by The Namibian

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.