By 
Nineteen suspects have escaped from lawful custody at Mansa Central Police Station in Luapula Province, in an incident believed to have occurred in the early hours of May 19, 2025, between 02:00 and 02:50 hours.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the escape, describing it as a serious incident and a criminal offence under Section 119 of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Hamoonga assured the public that all escapees would be rearrested and face the full force of the law, including additional charges for escaping from lawful custody.
According to a report received around 03:00 hours, Constable Rodgers Kavwanda of Mansa Central Police Station reported that 19 male suspects had broken out of custody.
“Officers on duty had conducted a routine security check at around 01:30 hours and found everything in order,” Hamoonga said.
However, around 02:50 hours, officers discovered that padlocks on the inner grill door had been tampered with and were found lying on the ground. Hamoonga noted that the padlocks were still functional and could open and close without difficulty.
A physical headcount confirmed the following suspects had escaped:
1. Bwalya Promise – Murder
2. Patson Chibwe – Aggravated Robbery
3. Chola Mike – Murder
4. Innocent Kunda – Theft
5. Kelly Kabengele – Theft of Motorbike
6. Vincent Munkombwe – Theft of Motorbike
7. Mwansa Chilufya – Murder
8. Justine Katembo – Breaking into a Building and Committing a Felony
9. Chola Steward – Theft by Servant
10. Mumba Sydney – Possession of Counterfeit Notes and Forgery Implements
11. Chishala Andrew – Human Trafficking
12. Emmanuel Moonga – Theft of Motor Vehicle
13. Charles Kunda – Trafficking in Psychotropic Substances
14. Gift Chisha – Trafficking in Psychotropic Substances
15. Abel Chalwe – Trafficking in Psychotropic Substances
16. Kunda Samuel – Trafficking in Psychotropic Substances
17. Chibwe Harrison – Trafficking in Psychotropic Substances
18. Mumba Joshua – Trafficking in Psychotropic Substances
19. Mwila Straid – Trafficking in Psychotropic Substances
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Police have since launched an intensive manhunt to apprehend the escapees. Dockets have been opened and officers placed on high alert across all divisions.
Hamoonga urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any sightings or suspicious activity that could lead to the recapture of the suspects.
“Anyone found aiding or abetting the escapees will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned.
He concluded by reiterating that the police remained committed to upholding law and order and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the suspects are brought to justice.
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