MARIENTAL: All five inmates who escaped from the Mariental Police Station holding cells last Friday have been successfully rearrested and are now back in custody, according to local law enforcement officials.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Commissioner John Mwantongwe of the Hardap police confirmed the arrests on Monday, stating, “The police authorities managed to capture all of them, and they are currently in police custody.” The escapees, aged between 26 and 41, managed to break free by damaging the steel bars of their cell and using a self-made key to unlock the door.
The group was being held on charges of serious offenses, including murder, housebreaking, theft, assault, and gender-based violence. This escape follows a previous incident on December 16, during which four inmates also fled from police cells. Those individuals were recaptured the next day.
Commissioner Mwantongwe expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance in the swift apprehension of the escapees. The incident has raised concerns about the security measures in place at the Mariental Police Station, prompting discussions on potential improvements to prevent future escapes.
