Northern police station breakout

 TWENTY people detained at the Popondetta police station cells escaped on Saturday after cutting iron bars with a hacksaw.

Southern region police commander Assistant Police Commissioner Allan Kundi said the escape happened between  7pm and 9pm when there was only one police officer manning  the station.

“There are supposed to be four officers on that shift,” he added.

“I have instructed the (Northern) provincial police commander to find out why the other three officers were not at the station.”

Kundi said some of the escapees were charged with serious crimes and committed to stand trial in the National Court.

“My warning to the people within and around Popondetta is that these detainees are a threat to the community and they must go straight to police if they see them or know of their whereabouts.”

He said the identities of people who supplied useful information to the police would be kept confidential.