A woman and 12 men have escaped from the Kundiawa police cell. Police say most of them were facing serious criminal charges.
Simbu Police Boss PPC Mazuc Rubiang confirmed the escape in a media statement yesterday.
The incident happened on the evening of Tuesday, June 17.
The female escapee, Martha Mane, had been committed to stand trial for murder.
Police say the escape was made possible by an auxiliary officer, who had the key and was speaking with his wife—the female inmate—when he left the cell door open.
Charges against the 13 escapees include:
4 for murder
4 for willful murder
1 for rape
1 for drugs
1 for drunk & disorderly
1 for grievous bodily harm
The keyholder, believed to be the husband of the female escapee, is also now missing.
Police have suspended 4 regular and 2 reservist officers for 21 days while investigations continue.
Police are appealing to the public to help locate these dangerous escapees.