24 Jan 2005

PNG Correctional Services commissioner says jailbreak due to negligence

1:29 pm on 24 January 2005

Papua New Guinea's Correctional Services commissioner says negligence by his officers led to 65 prisoners breaking out of Bomano jail last week.

Richard Sikani says two officers have already been suspended as an inquiry into the jailbreak gets underway, but he says more officers will face disciplinary action once the inquiry is concluded.

The National newspaper says a joint operation has been launched by police and CS officers but only ten prisoners have been recaptured so far, while the bodies of two escapees were found at the Laloki River.

Those still at large include three prisoners who were serving life terms for murder and rape, and twenty five others who were imprisoned for various offences including abduction and rape, robbery or wilful murder.

Mr Sikani says the escapees used a bolt-cutter to cut through the fence and the duty officers weren't there at the time.