LUSAKA -- Eighteen suspected criminals have escaped from police cells in Monze, 180 km southwest of Lusaka, early on Tuesday morning.

Zambia News and Information Services cited Monze police officer Paul Muyongo as saying the suspects fled the police cells after breaking the roof before 4 a.m. (0200 GMT).

Muyongo said local police have since launched investigations into the case and two of the suspects have been re-arrested.

The 18 suspected criminals were charged with different offenses.

Prison breaches are frequently seen in Zambia as the poor southern African country is not able to channel enough money into the improvement of infrastructure of prisons and police cells, especially those in rural areas.

Just a week ago, five suspected criminals have escaped from police cells at Mazabuka station, southwest of Lusaka, by taking advantage of the collapsed concrete ceiling.

And earlier on January 4, 10 suspects including three charged with aggravated robbery bolted from police cells in Kalomo of Southern province.