Police recaptures Kerevat escapees, others urged to surrender

FIVE armed robbery suspects who escaped from Kerevat prison earlier this year have been recaptured by East New Britain police in a combined operation by police, Correctional Services personnel and the community.
East New Britain police commander Chief Insp Joseph Tabali told The National that the five – Solomon Taling, Gilbert Bilang, Steven Rerem, Kaok Joe Maren and Tiku Herman – were recaptured last week and charged with escaping lawful custody.
Tabali said Taling escaped on March 15 after he was arrested and charged with breaking and entering and stealing and was also wanted for a series of crimes committed around Kokopo town.
Herman, who was convicted of armed robbery, also escaped from Keravat on Feb 3 but was recaptured on Sunday.
“I am calling on all the community members to help by providing information that can help us recapture these escapees.
“They all are wanted and are a threat to the community.”
Tabali said, thankfully, three willingly surrendered to the police which was a good sign.
He said there were 41 prisoners who had escaped from Keravat since 2016.
He said 24 had been rearrested and charged while 17 were still on the run.
Tabali said the community would play a big role in helping law enforcement to recapture the escapees still at large
He said not only was harbouring the prisoners a crime but because of the risk of them committing more offences was high.
He called on community leaders, the public and relatives of the escapees to work with the police to uphold the law and create safer communities by helping bring in those prisoners still on the run.
He said three had surrendered to police during the weekend and he was happy with that and wanted the remaining 17 to do the same.