Metropolitan Superintendent Perou N’Dranou’s statement follows the re-arrest of CS convict, Paul Pisa, at the Waigani courthouse last Thursday.

Police were not aware of the leave of absence granted to Pisa from the Correctional Service facility at Bomana.

This was until they arrested him and brought him back to Bomana only to find out from CS officers that he was granted a LOA.

N’Dranou said if prisoners of such are out on a leave of absence, police should be made informed as these persons are convicted prisoners and are a threat to the general public.

The two suspects who gave themselves up are 27-year-old Oli Egi of Bulihan village, who was charged for rape, and 44-year-old Robber Matthew of Lihai village, who is facing sexual touching charge.

They will be slapped with another charge of escaping lawful custody.

Police allege that Egi was also involved in the attempted rape of two females at ward one on the day he escaped.

He will be questioned over the incident and is expected to be slapped with further charges on top of the initial rape charge he was in CS custody for. 

“This is the stark reality that we are faced with. We have to try and make do with what we have,” Commissioner for CS, Michael Waipo, said in an interview with this newsroom.

He said there have been some instances where the institution was called into Court about human rights issues as well as trying to prepare staff adequately to address those issues to help minimise cost problems.

“Staff will need to be made aware of the issue and be prepared for it.”

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This was stressed by the Commissioner for Correctional Service, Michael Waipo, during a recent interview with this newsroom.

“With that, we could easily play psychological operations in terms of having armed men visible. The visibility of a staff being in possession of a firearm in the institution will certainly have an impact on how the prisoner might want to execute his intention; whether to make a break or not.”

Additionally, specific instructions have been given to CS officers to get out there and be present on the ground.

He said the issue at hand now is funding and seeing that 2017 is almost ending, investigators will be moving in to probe the breakout situation at Kerevat next year.

Waipo said another team of investigators will also be sent to Biru prison following its recent breakout, including Buimo prison in Lae.

“Actually, we have sent a team of 11 officers over to Buimo just to support them address the manpower issue but basically they are going there to support the existing staff contain security.”

(CS Commissioner Michael Waipo)

A statement released by the Acting Commissioner, Denis Piandi, states that the breakout, resulting in the escape of the prisoners and the death of 17, was unfortunate.

“Preventative measures must be taken to restore stability in Buimo to stop more prisoners from escaping.”

He adds that Buimo is continuously overcrowded with 900-plus detainees, 400 more than its normal holding capacity. This places a strain on the infrastructure and manpower.

“Most of these inmates are remandees awaiting trial for various offences.”

(Loop file pic)

A parade by members of the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Correctional Service was held this morning to mark the commencement of the legal year opening for the province.

A dedication service was also held to commit the legal year to God.

Central Province administrative judge Panuel Mogish encouraged all in the province to work together to dispense justice in the rural areas and to make Central a model province in the delivery of justice.

He said working in partnership is the way forward.

This follows the lengthy submissions presented yesterday by parties involved.

The court will hear an application from National Court re-instated commissioner, Michael Waipo challenging the competency of Ben Nepo’s appeal that was heard yesterday.

Yesterday Nepo’s asked the court to stay the National Court’s decision of May 5 reinstating Michael Waipo as Correctional Service Commissioner.

Newly appointed acting commissioner for Correctional Services Bernard Nepo said the new look must be based on the principles of true discipline and ethical conduct.

This must be directed towards the performing of core functions of safe security, humane containment and the welfare and rehabilitation of detainees.  

“How to walk the path of our destiny is to cut down the existing moral issues, mainly the staff work and living conditions.