5 out of 41 rearrested in Nakonde prison break

5 out of 41 rearrested in Nakonde prison break

By George Zulu

POLICE in Nakonde District have rearrested 5 out of 41 suspects after they escaped from lawful custody at Nakonde Police Station on Sunday.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga said that the detainees escaped after overpowering an officer who had gone to take food for inmates.

Hamoonga explained around 16hours, one of the officers took food for the detainees and upon opening the cells, he was ambushed and attacked.

“…at the on the material day, Officers reported for the day shift at Nakonde Police Station. At around 16:00 hours, an officer proceeded to deliver the routine meal (nshima) to the suspects in custody. However, upon opening the male cells, he was ambushed, pulled inside the cell block, and subdued by the suspects who then fled through the main cell door,” he explained.

He said the escapees include individuals charged and convicted for serious offences such as murder, aggravated robbery, defilement, stock theft, and trafficking in psychotropic substances.

Hamoonga said later in the evening, five were apprehended, among them those that were facing murder charges.

“…a docket of case was promptly opened and officers were immediately dispatched to the field. As of 17:00 hours on the same day, five suspects had been successfully re-apprehended. These include, a male juvenile 18, previously facing a charge of Theft. Another male juvenile aged 15, previously facing a charge of Vandalism,” he said.

He named the other three rearrested as Singoyi Stainely 62, Edward Sikanyika 33, and Chimwemwe Ng’ambi, 21, all facing a charge of murder.

Hamoonga said during the operation, Chimwemwe Ng’ambi was shot at and sustained a wound to the right pelvic area while attempting to resist arrest.

“He was immediately transported to Nakonde District Hospital where he is currently receiving medical attention. His condition is reported to be stable. The remaining four recaptured suspects have since been securely re-detained in police custody and will be processed accordingly,” he said.

Hamoonga said that a manhunt for the remaining 36 had intensified.

“We have intensified manhunt operations and officers remain on high alert as efforts continue to locate and apprehend the remaining escapees. We urge members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious movements or information regarding the whereabouts of the escapees to the nearest police station. The Service reiterates its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who seek to subvert the justice system are brought to book without delay,” said Hamoonga.