A trial-awaiting inmate at the Keetmanshoop Police holding cells was stabbed multiple times by fellow inmates.

The ||Kharas Police Regional Crime Investigation Division Head, Deputy Commissioner Nicodemus Mbango, confirmed that the stabbing incident occurred this morning.

According to Mbango, fellow inmates allegedly stabbed the 26-year-old victim, Petrus Tack, with a rusted knife, inflicting 13 stab wounds across his body.

Tack was admitted to the Keetmanshoop State Hospital, where his medical condition is described as stable.

According to Mbango, Tack's attackers accused him of being involved in a recent incident in Bethanie that resulted in the death of one of their fellow gang members.

He added that the assailants levelled the accusations against Tack solely because he is a resident of Bethanie.

At the time of the attack, Tack was in custody on drug-related charges and shared a cell with 10 other inmates.

Only four inmates were not linked to the assault on Tack.

Mbango said charges would be finalised upon completion of an investigation into the matter.