Inmate escapes from Nkhata Bay Prison

An inmate at Nkhata Bay Prison has escaped from custody almost two years into his four year-jail term, authorities have confirmed

The inmate, Gift Phiri, 35, of Chakhaza Village in Traditional Authority Kalumba in Lilongwe escaped on Monday night after he and others went to fetch water.

Northern Region Police assistant spokesperson Maurice Chapola on Tuesday confirmed that Phiri had escaped, adding that police are now hunting for the convict.

He said the suspect was convicted of theft and had served about two years when he escaped.

Chapola said the suspect and others were under the watch of a prison warder who had escorted them to the lake to draw water. He said in the course of drawing water, Phiri requested to relieve himself, but he never returned

“I can confirm that Gift Phiri escaped from lawful custody,” he said.

Chapola appealed to the public to assist with information about the whereabouts of the suspect by reporting to police.