ENGA POLICE OPERATION TARGETS ESCAPEES AS PROBE BEGINS

A coordinated recapture operation is underway across districts in Enga province to recapture 16 remandees and 9 others who were refused police bail, escaped from Wabag police station lock up in the early hours of Wednesday this week.

The Provincial Police Commander (PPC) in Enga Province, Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, said the remandees were awaiting thier court appearance when they escaped.

Chief Superintendent Harris said the priority is to recover the escapees, and to get to the bottom of the incident and he is determined them.

“A coordinated recapture operation is underway across districts,” the PPC stated. “While those on remand or police bail (escapees) refused have not been convicted, they were locked up for good reason and they will be returned to the cells.

“The escapees who ran have limited options to hide, as we know their villages and their associates, so it is a matter of time and they will face additional charges.

I call upon the leaders of their tribes and villages to assist in the recapture, as many of those same leaders assisted the RPNGC to arrest these individuals to begin with.”

“If the escapees surrender they will likely be served lesser penalties than when we go arrest them. Our priority is always the safety and security of the public.

“I call on the communities of the escapees to turn them over to police before we arrive, and together with police we will maintain calm. Surrender is the only lawful path open to them, and it is in their own interest to take it.”

Chief Superintendent Harris said the circumstances surrounding the escape, and a related protest by members of the public are now the subject of internal investigation.

“If there was misconduct by any Police member they will be dealt with as the law requires, as will anyone who assisted them.

“An independent investigation has been ordered and I have referred the matter directly to the Internal Affairs Division.

“Following the escape, some members of the public entered a restricted area of the Wabag Police Station causing a disturbance. One person was arrested and charged in relation to refusal to leave police premises and obstruction of police.

“I make it my commitment to the people of Enga, that we will do all in our power to recapture the escapees, and without fear or favour, get to the bottom of who is involved