4 shot dead

By JUNIOR UKAHA
FOUR prisoners among a group of 15 attempting to escape from Buimo jail in Lae on Saturday morning were shot dead by police, according to a senior officer. Two were injured.
Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr said police officers had been tipped off about a planned mass breakout and were waiting outside the prison wall. Four prisoners died while two were injured. Nine are on the run.
“A group of prisoners attacked and stabbed the prison guard and pushed their way to the second gate where they jumped over into the administration area of the Correctional Services,” Wagambie said.
“This was during the visiting hour. There were 15 prisoners who escaped.”
Wagambie said the two police teams from the Sector Response Unit were waiting outside the prison compound when the emergency siren went off, signalling a breakout.
“The 15 prisoners after jumping the fence ran straight into one of the patrol vehicles with its crew,” he said.
“The prisoners were caught by surprise.
“They ran straight at the police vehicle throwing stones, sticks and were armed with sharp objects. Police opened fire, killing two instantly.
“A third collapsed close by and a fourth was shot dead not too far from the prison compound,” he said.
Wagambie said one of those killed was identified as the inmate who had stabbed the warder a little earlier.
He said police had been tipped off about a mass breakout but this might have been aborted by inmates inside when they heard the gun shots.
He thanked the police intelligence unit for picking up the information and deploying officers quickly to Buimo.
Wagambie said eight of the escapees were convicted prisoners while seven were on remand.
“Police believe that they have gone to Miles area by climbing over the mountain separating West Taraka from Miles,” Wagambie said.
Police are conducting patrols to recapture the seven.
Wagambie appealed to members of the public with any information to call police on the toll free number 70903300.
Meanwhile, the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry has advised its members to take extra precautions.
An email from the chamber stated: “This is to advise all residents of Lae City that it is confirmed that there has been a mass break out at Buimo prison. Please take precautions and also report any sightings (of escapees) to police. Alert all your staff especially vehicle drivers to be on the alert and not to stop for any unknown person or persons.”