11 Escapees shot dead, 17 wounded from Buimo prison breakout

More than 50 inmates escaped from Buimo Correctional Institution recently and police have warned the public to be wary and report any suspicious activities or persons.

Lae’s Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr confirmed that 11 prisoners were killed and 17 are wounded and recapture.

The total number of escapees is still unclear but will be revealed after the supervised head count.

The bodies of the deceased were transported to Angau Memorial Hospital this afternoon.

“I am warning the general public to be cautious on the movements and take necessary precautions. I am anticipating a rise in criminal activities in the city with the large number of escapees on the run” he said.

He said harboring escapees is a crime and people are caught doing this they will be arrested charged.

A report from our bureau in Lae stated that the escape was carefully planned over a period of time and executed because of the unfavorable conditions the inmates are facing at the facility.

The group of escapees also consisted of high risk prisoners who were convicted of serious offenses, such as murder, rape and robbery dashed for freedom after they attacked guards.

Acting CS Commissioner Benard Nepo said manpower has been beefed up at the prison and the situation is under control once again. PNG FM / PNG Today