Six prisoners on the run after fleeing from game

By Elizabeth Vuvu
SIX prisoners from Lorengau, Manus, are on the run after escaping from a New Year’s eve event, police said yesterday.
They were released on Sunday to take part in a volleyball competition and took the opportunity to escape.
They were Kem Lomai, 21 and of Likum village in the Pobuma LLG, charged with murder, escape and wilful damage while awaiting trial in the National Court, Manu Popres, 19 and of Tingou village in Tetidu LLG, charged with robbery, wounding, break and enter and escaping while awaiting trial in the National Court, Pokuwil Potiloh, 28 and of Buliso village in Bupi Chupen Lele Madih LLG, charged with attempted murder and awaiting trial in the National Court, Oli Egi, 27, of Bulihan village in Bupi Chupen Lele Madih LLG, charged with rape and escape while awaiting trial in the National Court, Robert Mathew, 44, of Lihai village in Bupi Chupen Lele Madih, charged with sexual touching and awaiting trial in the National Court and Walter Ted, 24, of Likum village in Pobuma LLG , charged with wilful murder and awaiting trial in the National Court.
Provincial police commander Chief Inspector David Yapu was frustrated with the escape, saying some of the prisoners were known and had previous records of escaping from CS and should not have been allowed to take part in activities outside but remain in the compound.
He said the escape was suspicious and questionable, especially at a time of New Year celebrations.
Police officers on New Year operations were alert and kept a lookout for the escapees but had none has been recaptured yet.
Yapu appealed to the public and community to report any sighting of the escapees as some of them were dangerous and a threat to the community.
He said people harbouring escapees would be arrested if discovered.