Alleged killer back behind bars after more than two years

AN escapee from Bomana prison has surrendered to police after village elders persuaded him to give up in Gulf, Kerema Police Station commander Snr Insp Michael Pakyei says.
“Max Meako, 27, from Karama village, Gulf, was at large for over two years after escaping from custody while on trial for allegedly killing a betel nut buyer.
He escaped on April 7, 2019, from custody while on trial at the Kerema National Court.
His village leaders, including Kerema mayor Sam Karava, negotiated with him to surrender since he had escaped.
Meako adhered to their pleas and finally surrendered on Tuesday.
“I thank the village elders for negotiating with Meako to surrender,” Snr Insp Pakyei said.
He said Meako was a remandee at the Bomana prison for allegedly killing betel nut buyer Peter Miti on Oct 25, 2015, at Mupa village, Gulf, for not paying him for a dinghy ride
Miti was from Mul-Baiyer in Western Highlands.
Snr Insp Pakyei said PNG Correctional Services warders took Meako back to the Kerema National Court in April 2019 to stand trial for wilful murder.
“That’s when he escaped and hid in his village till he surrendered on Tuesday,” he said.
“He was escorted back to Bomana by warders and is now remanded there.
“The killing led to fighting between Western Highlanders and people from Gulf.”