61 Kerevat escapees still on the run, says police

By GYNNIE KERO
POLICE in East New Britain have confirmed that 42 inmates including 19 on remand escaped from the Kerevant Prison last Thursday.
East New Britain police commander Joseph Tabali said 23 were serving their terms for various crimes.
One of those at large was from Morobe, three from Namatanai in New Ireland and 38 from East New Britain
Tabali said no one had been recaptured but he was confident that some would be arrested this week.
Police have set up checkpoints on roads and highways although they feared that some of the escapees may have fled by sea.
Tabali warned the people of Gazelle district and East New Britain that it was an offence to harbour criminals including escapees.
He urged the people to report them to police.
The inmates broke out of the Kerevat Prison in East New Britain at 2pm on Thursday.
Kerevat police station commander John Hapot said they dug holes from four cells to get out of the cell block, then cut through the prison fence to make their getaway.
There was concern that the escapees would try to get to Kimbe where the two-week PNG Games was being held.
People can travel from Kerevat to Kimbe on the New Britain Highway.