In a shocking and audacious incident, five Zambian juvenile offenders, aged between 15 and 18, allegedly orchestrated and executed a daring escape from the Peter Singongo Correctional Facility located in Ndola District, Zambia. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, November 14, 2024, has raised significant concerns about the security measures and management of juvenile detention centers in the region.
According to a statement by Copperbelt Police Commissioner Peacewell Mweemba, the juveniles devised an elaborate plan that involved creating an opening in the facility’s wall. They reportedly used a toothbrush and two cut iron angle bars as their tools to remove several pan bricks, enabling their escape. The sheer ingenuity and determination of their method have left both authorities and the public in disbelief.
Commissioner Mweemba noted that such an escape suggests a level of planning and resourcefulness that is alarming, especially given the age of the offenders and the high-security nature of the facility. The tools used—commonly found objects—underscore how everyday items can be manipulated for such purposes when there is intent and desperation.
The five escapees were detained for serious offenses, including defilement, murder, and housebreaking. Their ages, falling between 15 and 18, place them in a delicate category—too young for conventional adult facilities but evidently capable of high-risk behavior. Their charges reflect a spectrum of violent and non-violent crimes, suggesting that they were not merely first-time offenders or minor delinquents.
The specific identities of the escapees have not been disclosed, but it is clear that their actions represent a significant security breach. Such incidents also highlight the challenges of balancing rehabilitation and containment in juvenile correctional facilities.
The escape was formally reported to Ndola Central Police Station by Mr. Edwin Shinama, the Deputy Officer In-Charge at the Peter Singongo Correctional Facility. Mr. Shinama, aged 54, detailed how the juveniles exploited a vulnerability in the prison’s infrastructure to achieve their escape. The report was made at approximately 5:00 a.m., shortly after the incident was discovered.
Mr. Shinama’s report underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation. It is likely that the escape occurred under the cover of darkness, exploiting lapses in monitoring and the absence of immediate intervention.
