Staff Reporter
FIVE trial-awaiting inmates escaped from the police cells at Ongwediva last night, and the police are urging members of the public to assist in tracing them.
It is alleged that police officers who went to conduct a routine inspection behind the holding cells shortly after midnight spotted a suspicious footprint. Upon further investigation, the police discovered that the inmates had cut a hole in the cell’s corrugated iron roof through which they escaped.
A prompt physical verification and counting of the inmates revealed that five were missing. They are:
– Angula Shindinge “Mapadi”, originally from Oikango village but ordinarily living in Oshikango and Angola, who was arrested for housebreaking;
– Erasmus Bravo, originally from Omagongati village, arrested for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and domestic violence;
– Hangula Jesay Bishop from Oupumako village, arrested for rape;
– Martin Kabila Pohamba, arrested for rape; and
– Gwiilundo Lonny Shimanya, from Omaalala village, arrested for attempted murder and housebreaking.
According to the police, all the escapees were remanded in custody when they made their respective first court appearances.
The police are seeking public assistance to trace them.
Anyone with information on any of the fugitives’ whereabouts is requested to immediately contact the Ongwediva police station at 081 387 4555, Detective Inspector Namupala at 081 214 9311, or the nearest police station.
Only two escaped inmates’ pictures were immediately available.
