By Vicky Baunke in Goroka, EHP
Sixteen police personnel have been suspended in relation to a mass escape of 42 detainees from the Goroka Police Station holding cells last week.
The escapees are said to be dangerous and may cause harm to any member of the community at any time.
This was confirmed by the Acting Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Senior Inspector Josephine Kumai, who stated that the incident resulted from police negligence and that the manhunt continues across the province.
Senior Inspector Kumai said internal investigations had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the June 28 breakout, while disciplinary processes were underway for the officers concerned.
Senior Inspector Kumai is acting in the role while Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale is attending the Provincial Police Commanders’ Conference in Port Moresby.
She said 42 detainees escaped from the Goroka Police Station cells on Sunday, June 28. One escapee was later recaptured by police, while 41 remain at large.
According to Senior Inspector Kumai, 19 of those who escaped are from the Bihute Correctional Institution who were being temporarily held at the Goroka Police Station pending court hearing and files. The remaining detainees were being held in relation to various criminal matters.
She said the escapees are from Kainantu, Henganofi, Okapa, Lufa and Watabung in Daulo District and include suspects facing allegations of serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery.
Senior Inspector Kumai appealed to communities throughout Eastern Highlands Province to assist police by providing information that could lead to the arrest of the escapees.
She urged members of the public not to harbor the escapees or attempt to apprehend them, but instead report any sightings to the nearest police station.
Police have launched a manhunt to recapture the remaining 41 escapees, while internal investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
Senior Inspector Kumai said the administrative suspensions will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigations.
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