Residents of Kongola in the Zambezi Region are concerned about the regular prison breaks at the Menias Brian Libuto Police Station.
Since 2014, thirty inmates have escaped from the police holding cells on four occasions.
Addressing a media conference in Kongola on Wednesday, Kilo Manyando, the spokesperson for the concerned residents and Police Commander of the Zambezi Region, stated that four prison breaks in the past ten years is a significant issue.
Manyando, supported by the Mashi Traditional Authority, youth organizations, and some political groups, emphasized that the community of Kongola is living in fear.
"All these escapees pose a serious danger to society. We feel that the people of Kongola are no longer safe due to these activities, and we fear that it is only a matter of time before a life is lost. We are concerned that one day, a police officer might be harmed during one of these prison breaks if an inmate manages to acquire a gun, and chaos will ensue."
He noted that regular prison breaks threaten the tourism industry, given the area's strategic location and abundance of wildlife.
The community believes that the design of the holding cells is problematic and is calling on the authorities to address this issue.
In response to the community's concerns, Zambezi Police Commander Andreas Shilelo acknowledged the problem.
However, Commissioner Shilelo stressed that the recent escape of inmates from the Menias Brian Libuto Police Station is not related to the building's design.
"It is purely negligence on the part of the officers. For example, if there are supposed to be five members on duty and only two are present, then it is a problem. Two members were on leave and were nowhere to be found; they did not even excuse themselves by saying they were sick or unavailable."
He further emphasized that all police stations in the country are staffed with the correct number of trained officers to handle any situation.
"If you are assigned to oversee that building and know there are dangerous individuals inside, why would you leave two officers unattended? One officer could be stationed outside with a firearm to respond if someone tries to escape. It is very practical and simple."
In December of last year, 13 inmates escaped from the cells after overpowering the two police officers who were feeding them.
In 2022, one inmate escaped from the same cells under similar circumstances; in 2019, 12 inmates escaped, and in 2014, four did.
The Menias Brian Libuto Police Station has a staff complement of 48 officers, including the station commander.
The police holding cells have a capacity of 30 inmates but are currently accommodating 90 detainees.