Police recapture escapee

By SYLVESTER WEMURU
MADANG police have recaptured a fugitive who fled in a mass breakout at Beon Prison on March 5.
Madang commander Supt Mazuc Rubiang said the fugitive was picked up in a dawn raid last Sunday following a tip off.
“He was sleeping with his wife in a house in Wagol settlement,” he said.
Supt Rubiang said the escapee would be charged in court.
He said to date, only four out of the 48 prisoners who had escaped had been recaptured.
“Two are still alive and two died in the hospital,” he said.
“I am pleased with the policemen prison wardens who work tirelessly to recapture the fugitives.
“There are many who are still on the run and I want the public to assist the police and Correctional Services personnel with information on the whereabouts of the dangerous fugitives.
“We are having problems with vehicles, so your information will help police to track down the fugitives.”
Twenty-five convicts were among 48 prisoners who scaled the Beon Prison fence to flee while a solitary guard was asleep in the watch tower.
Meanwhile, Supt Rubiang said Madang’s crime rate had increased after the 10 police vehicles were grounded for maintenance service as ordered by Madang MP
Bryan Kramer and senior police officers.
“Police presence is thus affected but this has not stopped us from discharging out duties,” he said.
“Policemen are still performing their daily responsibilities.
“But petty crimes such as bag-snatching and other crimes are on the rise.
“Reports of marijuana smuggling is also being reported and we are trying our best to ensure that these crimes checked.”