Inmates overpower police in Onandjaba prison break

Five trial-awaiting inmates staged a dramatic escape from the Onandjaba Police Station on Sunday afternoon after allegedly overpowering officers, stealing firearms and locking police members inside cells before fleeing the premises.

According to police information, the incident occurred around 17:00.

It is alleged that the five inmates attacked two male police officers while food and medication were being distributed to detainees. The suspects allegedly grabbed cell keys from one of the officers and handcuffed the two members before locking them inside the cells.

The suspects reportedly remained inside the cell block until the shift commander opened the charge office door leading to the cells after becoming suspicious when the officers took too long to return.

Police said the escapees then seized cellphones and a strongroom key before allegedly assaulting one of four female officers stationed in the charge office. One of the suspects allegedly pointed a pistol at the officer while demanding vehicle keys.

The suspects allegedly used the strongroom key to gain access to firearms storage, where they stole one AK-47 assault rifle and four pistols.

The escapees have been identified as Nestor Shitaleni Kronelius; Nikodemus Junias; Amukwaya Amukwaya Mateus; Immanuel Eliaser, an Angolan national; and Awala Johannes.

They were being held as trial-awaiting inmates on charges including rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault through threatening read with the Domestic Violence Act, possession of arms and ammunition, and escape from lawful custody.

Six police officers who were on duty during the incident are listed as victims in the matter.

NBC reported in November 2024 that 10 trial-awaiting inmates escaped from the Onandjaba police holding cells.

The suspects allegedly escaped by cutting a hole in the roof of the facility's dining hall, NBC reported.