By LINA KEAPU
POLICE and Correctional Service personnel are after 17 inmates who are now on the run after escaping from the Bomana prison yesterday around midday.
According to Correctional Service Commissioner Stephen Pokanis a total of 18 dashed for freedom, one escapee is on death row, three are convicted and 14 are remands awaiting their court cases.
A combined Correctional Officers and Police team recaptured one of the convicted prisoners, Saku Dobe at the Telikom Repeater Tower – Mt Bisogo at the back of Laloki.
The breakout took place during a church program hosted by officers and families within the prison camp to observe the National Repentance Day.
Commissioner Pokanis said, the breakout was well planned ahead however they waited for the right time in which they used this occasion to escape.
“The manhunt is on now, police have been stacked up while I have met with my officers and they will start searching for the escapees.
“I have given directions to my officers to assist police in this search to recapture the remands and the convicts.”
Commissioner Pokanis said this has been the biggest breakout after the last mass breakout 16 years ago.
“Mass breakouts used to occur in the late 80’s and declined in the 90’s however in 2004, over 10 broke out but less than the number today. This is the biggest number of escapes Bomana has recorded.”
Mr. Pokanis said, the officer who was on duty had left his place of work resulting in the occurrence of this breakout.
“We will conduct our investigation as to how this happened and the duty officers will be interrogated accordingly.”
Traveling public along the Hiritano Highway, Bomana and Sogeri roads have been urged to take extra precautions during this time.
According to Police Operations Centre the escapees pose a greater threat to the public and so they cannot be tolerated in our communities.
Below are the names of the prisoners while their biodatas will be revealed soon.
1. Nathan Epe [Remand]
2. Berry Karulaka [Remand]
3. Benny Walken [Remand]
4. Kevin Niuta [Remand]
5. Henry Rodney Haoda [Remand]
6. Brain Darius [Remand]
7. Honiara Amenai [Remand]
8. Walter Abie [Remand]
9. Asigau Tau Rakatani [Remand]
10. Junior Paul [Remand]
11. Max Meakoro Avia [Remand]
12. Joel Tahar Ruana [Remand]
13. Joseph Samuel [Remand]
14. Lakai Numai [Remand]
15. Emex Goasa [Death Convict]
16. Charlton Eric [Convict]
17. Russell Tom Life [Convict]
18. Saku Dove [Life Convict] – {apprehended by Drone Team yesterday}
The general public is advised to report to the Police Operations Centre Hotline 1800100 or relay information through NCD Police Crime Alert Group and the Police NCD/Central Command Page on Facebook. Your identity will be protected at all times.
“If the police are to find anyone up knowingly harbouring anyone of the above escapees, they are to face prosecution for aiding an escapee”.
