THE Provincial Police Commander (PPC) in Enga Province, Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, said he is determined to recapture 16 remandees and 9 people on police bail who escaped from the Wabag Police Station lock-up in the early hours of Wednesday, 29 July.
Chief Superintendent Harris said the priority is to recover the escapees that were awaiting court appearance, and to get to the bottom of the incident.
“A coordinated recapture operation is underway across districts,” the PPC stated.
“While those on remand or police bail (escapees) refused have not been convicted, they were locked up for good reason and they will be returned to the cells.”
“The escapees who ran have limited options to hide, as we know their villages and their associates, so it is a matter of time and they will face additional charges.”
PPC Harris called on leaders of their tribes and villages to assist in the recapture, as many of those same leaders assisted RPNGC (Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary) to arrest those individuals.
He added that if the escapees surrender, they will likely be served lesser penalties, as the police’s priority is for the safety and security of the public.
Chief Superintendent Harris said the circumstances surrounding the escape, and a related protest by members of the public are now the subject of internal investigation.
“If there was misconduct by any Police member they will be dealt with as the law requires, as will anyone who assisted them,” PPC Harris said.
“An independent investigation has been ordered and I have referred the matter directly to the Internal Affairs Division.”
The PPC noted that following the escape, some member of the public entered a restricted area of the Wabag Police Station, causing disturbance.
“One person was arrested and charged in relation to refusal to leave police premises and obstruction of police,” PPC Harris said.
“I make it my commitment to the people of Enga, that we will do all in our power to recapture the escapees, and without fear or favour, get to the bottom of who is involved in this incident.”