Escape brings fear to residents

By JAYNE SAFIHAO
THERE is an air of fear hanging over Madang with the 46 Beon prison escapees openly flaunting their freedom nearly a week after breaking out.
Some of the convicts who escaped last Thursday from the Beon facility are “high-risk prisoners” serving long jail terms.
They are being sheltered and are moving at will in public.
The prisoners say they are willing to surrender but only after their grievances have been addressed by provincial authorities.
Gabriel Aimai, a Usino man from the Begesin area, who resides in one of the settlements known as Wagol, yesterday said: “It is unsafe. Village women go to gardens and bring produce to town to sell.
“This is a high number of escapees and with the growing law and order issues in Madang, their presence will instil fear into the public.”
He said the surrender of the escapees should be facilitated quickly.
Graham Froggy, a public servant, said there was a possibility that some escapees would commit crimes while outside the jail.
“The community at large is vulnerable and will live in fear,” he said.
“I fear for my safety at nights when I do drop-offs.
“With the heavy rain and blackouts in the last three nights, we are not safe indoors anymore.
“They should surrender immediately if they know what’s good for them.”
Janet Tamarua, a visitor from Goroka, said police must talk to the inmates and win their trust.
Steven Sul Mond, from Bundi and a councillor for Ward One in the Mu local level government, said people did not feel safe anymore in the peaceful town.
“The prisoners should have had a protest, seen their lawyers or simply wrote to the concerned individuals rather than break out,” he said.