Five Inmates Escape Onandjaba Police Cells, Flee With Firearms
By Aneli Fura
Police in the Omusati Region have launched a manhunt after five trial-awaiting inmates escaped from the Onandjaba police holding cells on Sunday afternoon, allegedly stealing several firearms and mobile phones during the incident.
According to Omusati Regional Commander Commissioner Ismael Basson, the inmates reportedly overpowered officers while food and medication were being distributed at the cells.
Basson said two male officers on duty were attacked by the suspects, who allegedly took the cell keys and handcuffed the officers before locking them inside the holding cells.
The suspects then reportedly waited for the female shift commander to open the charge office after noticing the officers had not returned. Once the door was opened, the inmates allegedly grabbed the strongroom keys, assaulted one of the female officers, and threatened her with a pistol while demanding vehicle keys.
Police said the suspects managed to open the strongroom and stole one AK-47 assault rifle, four pistols, and five cellphones before locking the officers in a corridor and fleeing the premises.
The escapees have been identified as Nestor Shitaleni Kronelius, Nikodemus Junias, Amukwaya Amukwaya Mateus, Immanuel Eliaser, and Awala Johannes.
The five were being held while awaiting trial on various charges, including rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault by threat under the Domestic Violence Act, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and escaping from lawful custody.
