Suspect escapes from police holding cells

Temba Dube Senior Reporter
A SUSPECT escaped in movie style from the holding cells at Bulawayo Central Police Station. The incident, which is still on the lips of police officers in the province, reportedly happened on Monday night. Sources at the station said the suspect, Blessing Gwashavanhu (22) of 631 Section 2 Kambuzuma in Harare, was arrested for unlawful entry in Bulawayo at the weekend.
“He was taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station and held there. The suspect is wanted in connection with other crimes in Bulawayo and Harare,” said a source.

Gwashavanhu allegedly sneaked into an empty cell soon after shift change of police officers on Monday night.
“We heard that officers who were taking over did a head count and found that the number of people in the cells corresponded with what was in the register.

“Somehow, the suspect sneaked into an empty cell and stayed there for some hours. It is suspected that he made his move towards midnight,” said another source.

“He then climbed up a drainage pipe and went onto the roof. From there, he pulled a cord that is fixed to the satellite dish.
“He used it to swing from the roof into the alley behind the station. He then disappeared into the night.”

Police officers at the station said the escape was discovered on Tuesday morning when a roll call of suspects that were in the cells was made.
“He must have had inside assistance because it is virtually impossible to escape from a police station in the country.

“Security at Bulawayo Central Police Station is unbelievably tight.
“However, I believe his freedom will be short-lived because police in the country have a good record of arresting suspects,” said an officer.
Contacted for comment, police spokesperson for Bulawayo, Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo, confirmed that a suspect had escaped from the holding cells.

“A suspect escaped from Bulawayo Central Police Station. A manhunt has been launched for the suspect and mechanisms have been put in place to avoid a recurrence of this unfortunate incident,” said Insp Moyo.

He appealed to members of the public who have information that might lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact their nearest police station.
“They can also relay such information through a police suggestion box if they wish their identity to be unknown.

“Alternatively, they can call the Bulawayo police 24-hour hotline, number (09) 885479 or the CID (Criminal Investigations Department) on (09) 71568,” said Insp Moyo.