48 prisoners escape from Beon

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
TWENTY-FIVE convicts are among 48 prisoners who scaled the fence of the Beon Prison in Madang while a solitary guard was asleep in the watch tower.
The escape occurred between 8am and 10am on Wednesday morning as prisoners were allowed out of their blocks.
Correctional Services Commissioner Stephen Pokanis told The National that the escape was not planned and was one of opportunity.
“They saw the guard was asleep and made their way over the back fence of the prison, 48 managed to escape before other guards noticed,” he said.
“The alarm was raised and police were called in to assist in recapturing the prisoners, one prisoner was recaptured, a convicted prisoner, I don’t know what he was charged with.
“We had issues with the number of escapees, but after a roll call was done, I can confirm 47 prisoners are now on the run with one recaptured.”
Pokanis told The National that of the escapees, 24 were convicted and 23 were remandees.
He said Correctional Services officers were working with police to track and recapture the escapees.
Pokanis confirmed that the warder responsible had been stood down from duties with police brought in to investigate the escape.
“If the warder is found to be in the wrong, he may be criminally charged,” he said.