Four escapees in Oro surrender to police

Four men who escaped from police custody in Popondetta on Nov 1 have surrendered while one was shot and recaptured by police in the Saksak settlement.
Commander Southern Jerry Frank said those who surrendered were:
l    Martin Mendode, 30, from Sebu (Gona) village, Oro Bay, wanted for armed robbery;
l    Bau Okono, 17, from Vaudari village, Ioma district, wanted for armed robbery;
l    David Dambo, 19, from Ambasi village, Oro Bay, wanted for armed robbery; and,
l    Benstead Guba, 17, from Evore village, Ioma, wanted for armed robbery.
Frank said the fifth person, Martin Ogomeni, 30, from Bowera village, Ioma, was recaptured by police after a tip-off from members of the public.
“A police task force unit raided the Saksak compound near Popondetta town where the suspect was shot and apprehended when he tried to escape,” Frank said.
It is alleged that a piece of hacksaw blade used in the escape was smuggled into the cell by relatives of one of the inmates.
It is believed the visitor stuffed the blade inside some food to avoid detection by police personnel guarding the cell.
Frank said at that time police did not have enough food rations for inmates at the police station and relatives were allowed to bring in food for the detainees.
He said there was a manpower shortage during the shift on the evening of Nov 1 when the 11 prisoners escaped by the cutting the iron window frames attached to the brick wall.
There was only one duty officer when the 11 prisoners escaped.
“The public has been very cooperative and police in Northern are working around the clock. I am confident that we will recapture the other six
escapees still at large soon,” Frank said.