OSHIKOTO REGION — In an early morning breakout, six suspects managed to escape from the Omuthiya Police Station’s holding cells, prompting an urgent call from local authorities for public assistance in their recapture.

According to Namibia Press Agency, spokesperson for Community Affairs in the Oshikoto Region, the escape occurred shortly after 04:00 on Saturday. The detainees reportedly used a metal object to breach a cell wall. While five of the initial eleven escapees have since been recaptured, six remain at large. Authorities have initiated cases of escaping from lawful custody and malicious damage to government property against all involved.

Nehale-Kangulu urged the community to report any information regarding the escapees to the nearest police station. The breach was discovered during a routine inspection by officers commencing their morning shift at 06:00, who noted damage to a cell wall toilet where the escape occurred. The suspects had been detained on charges ranging from theft and housebreaking to more severe allegations of rape, fraud, bribery, organized crime, assaulting police officers, escaping custody, and drug possession.

Investigations into the breakout and efforts to recapture the remaining fugitives are ongoing.