Police in Mansa have gunned down one suspect and wounded two others among seventeen detainees who escaped from the police cells after they overpowered two policemen who were on duty.

The suspects, who were detained at the Mansa central police cells, are facing various offences, including rape and aggravated robbery. In a statement issued by deputy police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the suspects escaped at 02:00 hours on Saturday night when the officers who were on duty, Sergeant Laston Siagwaka and Constable Daniel Ngwile, opened the cells to usher in a suspect who had just been brought in. Mr Hamoonga said the suspect, Busiku Nalumino, came from Saint Clement Secondary School charged with conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.

He said as the officers were opening the door to the cells, the suspects pushed the door open and overpowered the policemen. He gave the names of the suspects who escaped as Prince Chinyata facing aggravated robbery and rape, Ephraim Lombe, Charles Mwila, Robert Chansa, Kabaso Mamama, Martin Mwana and Ottis Musonda all charged with robbery.

The others, charged with theft are Joseph Chala, Sydney Musongole, Peter Mambwe and Lewis Mwewa. Other who escaped are Peter Sinyangwe and James Yumba charged with trafficking in psychotropic substances. Oliver Mulenga and Jackson Katuba both charged with break-in were among the suspects who escaped.

Emmanuel Chikota charged with Assault and Isaac Nkazi charged with conduct likely to cause the breach of peace, were also part of the escapees.
However, Nkazi was taken back to the cells by his father, Mr Sydney Nkazi, bringing the number of suspects who have escaped to 15.
Police have appealed to members of the public to help with information leading to the arrest of the suspects