Police shoot armed escapees

By SYLVESTOR WEMURU
IT was the end of the road for two Beon Prison fugitives who escaped in a mass breakout last Wednesday and quickly got themselves armed with firearms for a hit.
The duo were shot and wounded by police and they died in hospital shortly.
Madang commander Supt Mazuc Rubiang said the two armed fugitives were shot by policemen who approached to confront them in Yabob village after receiving a tip-off.
He said the fugitives were drinking and planning an attack on a family at about 9am on Saturday.
Supt Rubiang said the first man was shot and wounded when he attacked the first policeman who confronted the gang.
He tried to grab the policeman’s pistol and was shot.
“One fugitive was arrested and one of the fugitives who also died had run to the beach and swam to Mareng Island. Water policemen and others with the Correctional Services wardens chased him to the island where he was stopped for a body search,” he said.
“He pulled out a pistol and tried to shoot at the police and was shot and wounded.”
Supt Rubiang said both the wounded fugitives were sent to Modilon Hospital where they died soon after admission.
“So far, police and CS wardens recaptured two fugitives alive and two had been shot and killed,” said.
“I urge families and relatives of Beon Prison escapees and community leaders to work closely with police and supply information on the whereabouts of the fugitives.
“Most of those who escaped are convicted prisoners who were charged with rape, robbery, housebreaking, murder, drug smuggling and other serious crimes.
“They are a threat to the police and the people of Madang.
“I appeal to everyone in Madang and others in the Highlands, Morobe and East Sepik to help keep a lookout for the fugitives and report them to Madang police.
“Whatever information you give will be kept confidential.”
Police identified the dead duo as Gumang Pora who was charged with armed robbery and Poka Johnson who was charged with attempted robbery.
Both were from Yabob village in Madang.