Allexer Namundjembo
Inspector general Joseph Shikongo has ordered all regional commanders to tighten security at police facilities nationwide after a series of inmate escapes.
The directive follows the breakout of seven inmates from Ngoma Police Station over the weekend.
The escapees include Angolan national Xiaver Francisco (27), Namibian national Chester Yambwa (34), and Zambian nationals Muyokela Sinyinda (20), James Lisho (35), Monga Mubita (23), Nyambe Sililo (53), and Vincent Mwiya (38). They cut through the iron roof of the holding cells to get out.
Namibian Police spokesperson, deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed the directive to the Windhoek Observer on Thursday.
She said measures have been put in place to address inmate escapes, including cell inspections and strict supervision during court transfers and hospital visits.
“Measures to tighten the security include, among others, intensifying the regular cell inspections and the movement of inmates controlled with close supervision, especially during court transfers, court appearances and hospital visits, as well as during feeding. Visitors are also to be supervised to prevent the smuggling of tools or contraband,” she said.
She said each escape from police custody is taken seriously and fully investigated to find security gaps and determine if officers were involved.
“Notably, every escape incident is thoroughly investigated to identify and address security gaps; moreover, to establish if any of the officers aided the inmates to escape, and if so, necessary action is taken against those officers,” she said.
She warned that escaped inmates put communities at risk.
“All in all these escapes from lawful custody are grave concerns because every escape puts communities at risk because some of these criminals are dangerous criminals,” she said.
This is the second time inmates have escaped from Ngoma holding cells this year. In April, five trial-awaiting inmates escaped from the same facility, with two still at large. Three Zambian nationals were rearrested, while two Namibians remain on the run.
Moreover, other stations have experienced inmate escapes in recent months.
In January, fourteen inmates escaped from Ruacana Police Station after opening an unlocked burglar door, forcing their way into the courtroom, and fleeing through a window.
Eight months ago, ten trial-awaiting inmates fled from Onandjaba holding cells in the Omusati Region after cutting through the roof of their recreational area during dinner. Footprints indicated some crossed into Angola.
In September last year, eleven inmates escaped from Omuthiya by smashing through a cell wall. Six remain at large.
NamPol’s criminal investigation directorate reports 970 attempted prison escapes since 2019. Of these, 690 inmates were rearrested, while 284 are still at large.
The police have urged the public to share any information on the whereabouts of escapees, saying efforts are ongoing to protect communities from dangerous fugitives.
