EIGHT prisoners escaped from Police holding cells at Khorixas on Tuesday night.

The seven trial-awaiting detainees and one sentenced prisoner escaped by digging a hole through the cell's wall. The Police did not confirm what object was used.

The prisoners at large are Sebastian Willemse, Ortniel 'Seun' Somseb, Simson Awiseb, Lourence Hoeseb, Melvin Howoseb, Michael Kairl, Richard Ulseb and Sinkalamba Hausiku.

The Police at Oranjemund are investigating a case of theft after a Namdeb mine employee was found with seven unpolished diamonds weighing 27.60 carats in his mouth on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old man was arrested when the parcel in his mouth was discovered at the security checkpoint at the mine's exit.