Call for escapees to surrender

By GYNNIE KERO
CORRECTIONAL Service commissioner Stephen Pokanis wants 10 high-risk detainees who escaped from Boram prison on Tuesday to surrender.
He told The National yesterday that nine juveniles and an adult removed timber from the main compound before escaping out of Boram at around 7.30pm.
Pokanis said of the 10 who walked out, nine were either murderers or attempted murderers and one who caused grievous bodily harm.
He added there was a blackout when the 10 escaped under the watch of four duty warders. “Escape took place at around 7.30pm during blackout,” Pokanis said.
“Nine male juvenile remands and one adult remand escaped.
“They are all high-risks.
“Officers have been instructed to work with police to conduct a search to bring the escapees back.
“Four officers were on duty at that time but placed at different locations at the institution.”
It is the second breakout in the province, the first being on New Year’s Day when 27 detainees, including two females, broke out of the Wewak police cells.
East Sepik police commander Supt Albert Beli called on communities living around Boram jail and Wewak to report any new faces.
Pokanis said the Boram jail had a staff strength of 54, with only 39 currently active.
The prison at present accommodates 144 convicts and 160 remandees.