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Policemen stand guard at Harare Central Police Station yesterday after a suspect escaped from the cells on Sunday night. The magnified inset (left) shows blankets the suspect used to lower himself to freedom. — (Pictures by Tawanda Mudimu)

Peter Matambanadzo Senior Reporter
A suspected burglar escaped from Harare Central Police Station holding cells, while another suspect reportedly committed suicide at the same station on Sunday evening.Indications are the suspect tied blankets together and used them to lower himself from a fire escape exit at the police station.

While their were rumours that more than one suspect had escaped using the blankets, police last night said they could only confirm one escape.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tadius Chibanda said: “Yes, we have a case of a suspect who was facing charges of unlawful entry and theft who escaped from Harare Central Police Station holding cells yesterday (Sunday) night.”

He said the suspect, whose name is being withheld, could have sneaked out of a holding cell, accessed a fire escape exit and used blankets as a rope to leave the building.

Insp Chibanda said another suspect arrested on a murder charge was found dead in a holding cell.
“We have another case whereby a murder suspect was found hanging in a holding cell. He (suspect) used a blanket to hang himself on the holding cell steel bars,” he said.

He said the escape and suspected suicide were discovered on Monday morning during a routine roll call of suspects.  Insp Chibanda said investigations were underway and a manhunt for the suspect has since been launched.

Police yesterday beefed up security at the station. In September 2007, a suspected armed robber and rapist escaped from holding cells at Harare Central Police Station in unclear circumstances.

Musakanza Chokokera alias Jimmy Paungano (25) had been taken from Harare Remand Prison to the police station by investigating officers for further questioning when the escape occurred.

Chokokera was awaiting trial on several charges of armed robbery and rape. In July this year, another suspect escaped from the holding cells at Bulawayo Central Police Station using blankets as a rope.

Blessing Gwashavanhu (22) of 631 Section 2 Kambuzuma in Harare, had been arrested in Bulawayo in connection with burglary.
Two months ago, two prisoners escaped from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison Farm after reportedly attacking a prison officer with a pick head, leaving him for dead.