By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
The Station Commander of the Katima Mulilo Police, Inspector Fredrick Nalisa, has confirmed over the weekend the re-arrest of seven inmates who escaped from lawful custody at the Katima Mulilo prison on Tuesday of last week.
Nalisa identified the seven escapees as: Sinvula Stephen Tawana, Joba Walter, Moya Kisco Mazilebu, Martin Situmbeko, Francis Mozembela, and Sabo Mike.
Five of the escapees were arrested at Katima Mulilo, and the other two at Sesheke across the border in Zambia. Half of them are Zambian nationals and the others Namibians.
They were arrested with the help of community members, the first arrest having taken place last Wednesday, followed by another on Thursday and then on Friday. Most of them were apparently found hiding with family members, while the others were squatting with friends.
Nalisa appealed to the communities to cooperate with the police officers in order to eliminate crime from the town.
“We are still appealing to the public to assist us in tracing and re-arresting the remaining escapees. Our success depends on you. We can never combat crime if the public keeps relevant information to themselves,” said the station commander.
The five inmates still at large are Kaonde Namushi, Matengu Sitali, Moses Tawila, Nyambe Simasiku, Mahela Milupi, and Mavumbelo Sivumbeko Evans.
According to Nalisa, most of the escapees are regarded as dangerous. Their cases range from stock theft to housebreaking, rape and robbery.
Although it was initially reported that the escapees numbered 11 in all, Inspector Nalisa said they were in fact 12. The 12th escapee is a Zambian national, Francis Mozembela. He was also re-arrested over the weekend.
“You see, most of these inmates are Zambian nationals who migrated to Katima, involved in crime while they don’t even have the relevant documents to stay in the country. My officers, who were hard at work, managed to arrest most of them. They couldn’t even return to their country – we arrested them locally,” he said.
Nalisa sounded a strong warning to the escapees still at large to surrender to the police immediately.
“No matter how long it takes, the law will arrest you. You can never run away from the enforcement unit, and we will ensure that you face the results of your actions,” said the station commander.