The Omusati region has tightened its grip on prison security after the escape of at least 31 inmates from holding cells within two months. 

Among the escapees are 24 trial-awaiting inmates who fled from the Oshifo police holding cell in December and seven inmates who escaped from the Outapi police station in October last year.

Out of the seven Outapi escapees, only three have been re-arrested, while none of the Oshifo escapees have been apprehended in Namibia.

They are facing serious charges, including murder, rape, robbery, housebreaking with intent to steal, stock theft, and anti-poaching offences.

The Police Regional Commander in the Omusati region, Commissioner Ismael Basson confirmed that the December escapees involved mostly foreign nationals and that the police have not managed to recover any of the suspects locally.

“I think there were 24, and 23 of them were from Angola; only one was from Namibia. As we speak, there is nobody arrested, not even the Namibian,” Basson said.

Basson said police information suggests that some of the escapees may have crossed into Angola soon after fleeing custody.

“This means that they probably just went straight into Angola,” he said, adding that while there are reports that some were arrested there, returning them to Namibia is complicated.

 “To get them back, that is probably another story. How we get them is another story,” he said. 

He said the police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the escapees are continuing as the region works to strengthen holding cell security and restore public confidence.

The repeated escapees have caused fear among residents, especially because some suspects were facing violent crime charges. Police have warned the public not to confront escapees and to report any information immediately.

Basson admitted that the incidents point to failures in following existing security procedures rather than a lack of policy.

“The strategies are there. What we are telling the station commanders and the chief commanders is to prevent escapes,” he said.

He added that police management also instructed stations to conduct regular cell visits and daily roof inspections, particularly after prisoners escaped by cutting through the roof at the Outapi police station.

“We directed them to make sure that every day there must be roof inspections. That means people must get on top of the building and inspect the roof, whether it’s still intact or not,” Basson said.

However, he acknowledged, these directives were not properly implemented.

“But somehow, it seems like things are not done. As a result, you just hear people escaped through the roof. It is so disappointing,” he said.

Basson said police leadership has now decided to move towards stronger accountability measures to prevent further incidents.

“We came to realise that the last option now for us is to make sure that somebody must be held accountable for the escape of these guys,” he said.

According to Basson, any future escape will trigger an investigation to identify responsibility.

“When there is an escape at any station, how did it happen? Who is responsible? Who is accountable? And that person must be charged,” he said.

He confirmed that no police officer has been charged or disciplined in relation to the recent escapes but said this approach will change.

“Maybe a little bit late, but better late than never. We must do something about it. 

We can’t let it go like that,” Basson said.

Addressing community fears, Basson said police remain committed to protecting residents despite the escapes.

“Yes, people escape, and some of them are committing serious crimes. The only thing that we can assure the public is that in terms of crime prevention, we are still ready to make sure that they are protected and safe,” he said.