Saraga rape suspects assaulted inside Bomana prison, acting CS Commissioner denies officers involvement

One of the two officers allegedly involved in Saraga rape case, covered in blood after being beaten in Bomana prison (Image: Supplied)

A disturbing social media post is circulating, showing two of the suspects in the Saraga Police Station rape case being assaulted inside Bomana Correctional Facility.

The images, posted to Facebook, show Danny Karayo and his co-accused Jerry Aura with visible injuries to their faces and bodies, reportedly after being beaten by fellow inmates. Both men are currently detained at Bomana while awaiting court proceedings for the alleged rape of a young girl inside the Saraga Police Post in Port Moresby.

NBC News spoke with Acting Correctional Services Commissioner Bernard Nepo, who confirmed that Karayo was assaulted by fellow prisoners, not by correctional or police officers, as some online posts had speculated.

“From what I found out from the prisoners, they think that Karayo committing the same crime and coming back to Bomana may reduce their chances to go on parole,” Mr. Nepo explained.

“This is the frustration that was building up among the inmates when the news about the Saraga rape was making headlines and the also know Karayo personally because he did serve time here for his first conviction on rape.”

One of the accused suspects beaten in Bomana prison *(Image: Supplied)*

Karayo has a prior conviction for rape, and his return to Bomana has reportedly sparked resentment among other inmates, who view repeat offenders as a threat to their own prospects of early release.

Co-accused Aura, who was not the primary target, was also injured after being caught in the middle of the assault.

Mr. Nepo assured the public that the correctional facility remains secure, but acknowledged that the incident unfolded too quickly for duty guards to prevent. He said the situation was brought under control, and authorities are now investigating the incident and will take disciplinary action against the inmates responsible.

The accused Karayo and his two colleagues, Carl Yori and Aura, are awaiting next court appearance scheduled for 11 August 2025. They will remain in custody at Bomana throughout the committal process.