Sixty four of the 94 inmates who broke out of the Buimo jail on Thursday Feb 25 are still at large in Lae City.
This is part of a report that was presented to new CS Commissioner Bernard Nepo at Buimo this morning.
Nepo who faces the acid test in his new role as Commissioner, moved with swift resolve to get on top of the situation by putting logistics in place and appointing a new commander for Buimo.
“At the moment the atmosphere is still tense following the breakout at Buimo,” Nepo said.
Commissioner Nepo who received a full report from the commanding officer Superintendent Judy Tara at Buimo this morning said the total number of inmates that broke out was 94.
“Out of those 94 inmates 12 of them were shot dead and 18 others are in critical condition seeking medication at Engau Memorial Hospital”, He said.
The breakout in Buimo happened at around 2pm in the afternoon when there was a security lap that was noticed by the inmates which they took advantage off the situation and escaped, total of 30 inmates were recaptured.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Nepo passed out his condolences and heartfelt to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives. He appealed to the inmates and remedies that are sent to the prison, that they must remain in custody and serve their time and can go out when are released by the court to avoid consequences.
Mr Nepo met with his entire executives today and has decided that the commanding officer in charge of Buimo is to be suspended immediately.
A new commanding office will be taking over office come tomorrow.
Over the next two days will see a full investigation team on the ground in Lae with Joe Jaku leading the team supported by Police detective units.
Nepo told Loop PNG that it’s his 2 weeks into office now and that he accepts full responsibility over what has happed as the new commissioner.