Uakutura Kambaekua

OPUWO – The Kunene police are still searching for two trial-awaiting inmates who escaped from the Opuwo holding cells on 26 December last year.

Inspector Vehangaiza Hindjou, the community affairs officer for the Namibian Police in Kunene, informed Nampa on Monday that Simon Ngejama (16), a resident of Opuwo, and an unnamed inmate from Epoko village in the Okalongo constituency of the Omusati region managed to escape by cutting through the roof of their holding cell.

They are charged with various offences, including housebreaking and driving a vehicle with a forged driver’s licence.

Hindjou said both men now face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody, and labelled them as a potential threat and dangerous individuals.

“Ngejama is from the Katutura location in Opuwo. He grew up here, and is considered a potential criminal and a danger to the community. Residents should not attempt to apprehend him on their own, as he is a significant threat,” she cautioned.

The officer noted that the police have not yet determined the identity of the second escapee, as he submitted false documentation during his arrest, and can only be recognised from a police photograph. It was mentioned that this individual previously resided in the Havana location of Windhoek, she said.

The manhunt continues, and police are urging community members to assist in locating the escapees.

-Nampa