Women lead mass break out

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
TWO women led a mass breakout from the Wewak police cells on New Year’s Day after removing an iron bar and scaling razor edge fence in East Sepik, border commander acting Asst Comm of Police (ACP) Peter Philip says.
“These females were among 27 male detainees who escaped on Friday at about 10pm from the police cells while policemen were celebrating the New Year and didn’t turn up for duty,” he said.
“Most of these detainees were involved in the clash between the Kanduanum villagers and settlers from the Labu camp last month.
“That clash resulted in the burning down of a house at Labu camp causing the death of an old woman who was burnt in the house.”
ACP Philip said the detainees, including the women, formed a human ladder in the cell to reach the top window and removed the iron bar.
“After coming out of the cells, then climbed over the old water tank down into the open area between the cells and the razor edge fence,” he said.
“They then managed to scale the razor edge fence and escape to freedom.
“They are still on the run.
“We are appealing to the communities in Wewak town to turn them to the police station.”
ACP Philip said the female detainees were kept at the main holding cells while the male detainees were kept in the male cells.
“The escape was due to the negligence’s of the duty policemen,” he said.
“I have instructed the police commander Chief Supt Albert Beli to investigate the police station commander, shift supervisor and the men who were supposed to be on 4pm to midnight shift.
“During the escape, there were no policemen at the station.
“The station was empty.”
ACP Philip said he wanted the detectives investigating the Labu camp settlers – Kanduanum clash to be investigated.