A Zambian national who was in police custody allegedly escaped from Katima Mulilo State Hospital on Monday morning, authorities have confirmed.
According to Zambezi Region head of community policing sub-division, Chief Inspector Kisco Sitali, the inmate, identified as Mabuta Oliver Kutwanga, had been detained on 13 August at Katima Mulilo Police Station for being an illegal immigrant.
Sitali said the suspect later fell ill and was admitted to the hospital for medical attention.
“On Monday morning, Kutwanga requested to use the toilet, and the police officer on duty escorted him. The officer remained at the door while the inmate entered the toilet alone,” Sitali explained.
However, after noticing that the inmate was taking unusually long, the officer opened the door, only to discover that Kutwanga had vanished.
“The officer observed that the toilet window was wide open, indicating that the inmate had escaped through it,” Sitali said.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the fugitive. Members of the public with information about his whereabouts are urged to contact the nearest police station.
