13 suspects escape from police custody in Mbale

The suspects had been detained on charges ranging from murder, robbery to theft.

What you need to know:

  • Mr Manshur said Police Flying Squad have been called in to assist police in man-hunting the escapees, adding that cases of escaping from lawful custody and damage of government property will be preferred against them, in case they are re-arrested.
  • Mr Manhsur appealed to locals to volunteer information of whereabouts of the suspects.

Eight police officers in Mbale have been suspended and detained following the escape overnight of thirteen suspects from the district police station cell.

Mr Suwed Manshur, the police spokesperson for Elgon Region, said the officers who were on guard are being investigated to establish if they aided the escape of mainly individuals incarcerated over capital offences.

“We have detained and suspended 8 Police officers over neglect. We want them to help us in investigation,” he said.

The suspects had been detained on charges ranging from murder, robbery to theft.

They drilled a hole in back wall which they used to escape.

Police identified the suspects as John Kabisi, Siyili Malo, Stephen Wambi and Rogers Wekesa - all held on murder charges; Musa Kawongo, Chris Kisiwo, Sowali Masaba and Muma Kenneth detained over robbery; and, suspected thieves John Kibisi, Joseph Nakambi, Vincent watulo and Emmanuel Wadwale.

A one Joseph Wandera had been detained on a rape charge, police spokesman Manshur said, and appealed for information on the whereabouts of the escapees so that they can be re-arrested.

“It’s true, the suspects escaped at night at around 10pm, but we are hunting for them because it’s unlawful to escape from a police cell,” he said.

Officers on patrol detected the escape when they brought in additional suspects, only to find three out of sixteen present in the cell.

They began a manhunt, but had not re-arrested any of the fugitives by press time.

Investigators are still baffled how the suspects dug the hole and ran away unnoticed from a police facility with round-the-clock surveillance.

Mr Manshur said their preliminary inquiries indicate that the officers, who have since been taken into custody, reported on duty as scheduled but it’s not clear whether they connived with the suspects.

The arrested police officers include D/AIP Sam Were, Cpl Daphine Mukoya, D/Cpl Godfrey Oyese, and D/Cpl Agnes Muyama. Others include Woman PC Sauya Mukite, Pc Akola Albriko, PC Robinson lagony and PC Innocent Kiramo.

The suspects are currently detained at Mbale, pending arraignment before court on charges of neglect.

Mr Manshur said Police’s Flying Squad has been called to assist in tracking the 13 suspects.