18 Jan 2011

Disappointment over escaped Vanuatu inmate hunt

7:14 pm on 18 January 2011

The corrections service in Vanuatu has expressed disappointment it hasn't received more help from chiefs to recapture prisoners who escaped the day after Christmas.

The Daily Post reports three out of the eight prisoners that escaped from Port Vila prison are still on the run.

Four of the inmates have given themselves up with the help of families, while another was captured by the members of the Vanuatu Mobile Force which is searching for the men.

The police have made a number of appeals to chiefs, church leaders and families to help return the men to custody.

But the Director of Corrections, Johnny Marango, says the chiefs have not made any effort to help bring them back.

Police maintain their advice for the public, and in particular women and girls in Port Vila and Efate, to take extra precautions.