Alleged cop killer escapes from police custody

A trial-awaiting prisoner at the Walvis Bay police station, who was arrested last year for the alleged murder of a police officer, escaped from police custody last Saturday.Lukas Josef Kambanda Papata (20) is still on the run. He is the third trial-awaiting prisoner to escape from Erongo police custody in less than two months.It is alleged that Papata was involved in the fatal stabbing of Walvis Bay police Constable Asser Dominicus (29) during a robbery on 5 June 2021 in James Brown Street, Kuisebmond.According to police information, Dominicus and his girlfriend were walking to her home when they were stopped by a group of suspects armed with knives. They held the victims at knifepoint while searching for valuable items. It is alleged one of the suspects stabbed the police officer in the back and chest, fatally injuring him. They took his cellphone.The couple proceeded to the girlfriend&#039;s house, but he collapsed and died on the scene.Four suspects were arrested – one being Papata, who is facing a charge of robbery and murder.&#039;Embarrassing&#039;How he managed to escape is being investigated, Erongo police spokesperson and community affairs commander, Inspector Ileni Shapumba, told Namibia Media Holdings.The series of escapes from police custody have been described as “embarrassing” by both the public and those within the ranks of the police.“Unfortunately, that&#039;s how it is. Very embarrassing and disturbing. Inmates escaping from lawful custody derails the public’s sense of trust and confidence in their police. Of course, we have to investigate the possible negligent aspect from the officers involved,” he said.The police have urged members of the public who can assist with information on Papata’s whereabouts to contact Detective Inspector Michael Ambambi at 081 640 1600 or Detective Warrant Officer Manzi Amamub at 081 724 8668, or alternatively to contact the nearest police station.SlipperyOn 13 March, a convicted car thief Isaskar Asser (25), allegedly used a forged High Court appeal judgment to convince Walvis Bay correctional facility officers that he had won his appeal, and could therefore be released. He was also awaiting another trial in which he was accused of fraud and money-laundering.A little more than a week later on 21 March, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who was being tried at Swakopmund for being in possession of 27 kg of dagga - boasting a street value of N$1.35 million, escaped from the police holding cells.

Alleged cop killer escapes from police custody

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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Alleged cop killer escapes from police custody

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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