Ngoma: Seven trial-awaiting inmates who escaped from the Ngoma Police Station holding cells last Sunday night appeared before the Ngoma Periodic Court on Monday to face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the inmates, who are facing serious pending charges including murder, robbery, and dealing with illicit drugs, appeared briefly before Magistrate Davy Kambinda. They did not enter a plea, and their case has been postponed to Thursday for plea and trial proceedings.

The escapees were apprehended at the intersection of Brendan Simbwaye and Ngoma roads while traveling in a taxi from Libula village to Katima Mulilo. Their escape occurred last Sunday at 22h00 when they managed to cut open the roof of their holding cell. This daring escape led officers on a chase, following their footprints to villages in the Nakabolelwa, Kasika, and Itomba areas.

Authorities swiftly acted, and shortly after their escape, police re-arrested 23-year-old Zambian national Monga Mubita. The group of escapees includes a Namibian, five Zambian nationals, and one Angolan national. The individuals involved are 34-year-old Chester Yambwa; Monga Mubita, 23; Xavier Francisco, 27; Mulyokela Sinyinda, 20; James Lisho, 35; Nyambe Sililo, 53, and 38-year-old Vincent Mwiya.