Six police officers suspended after mass breakout at Kundiawa town cell
Six police officers under the Simbu Provincial Police Command have been suspended following a mass breakout from the Kundiawa Town police cell last week.
The suspension includes four regular police officers and two reserve constables. They have been stood down for an initial period of 21 days while investigations continue.
Simbu Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang, confirmed the suspension, stating that 13 detainees escaped during the breakout, including 11 who were on remand by the National Court on serious criminal charges.
Among the escapees was Martha Mane, a female prisoner from Aipa Village in the Salt-Nomane Karamui District. She had been committed to stand trial for murder earlier that same day.
According to a preliminary report by the Criminal Investigation Division [CID], the breakout was allegedly orchestrated by Peter Bully, an auxiliary officer from Mogiage.
Superintendent Rubiang revealed that Bully is believed to be the boyfriend of the female escapee. He had been deployed to assist as Officer-in-Charge of the cells on the day of the breakout, which allegedly made it easier for him to facilitate her escape.
Rubiang said Bully was attempting to help his girlfriend escape, was seen by detainees in the male cell block. To cover his actions, he reportedly opened all four male cells and escaped with her, ahead of the others.
Twelve of the detainees remained in their cells until nightfall. When the next shift of officers took over, no cell checks were carried out, and the 12 prisoners escaped around 10pm.
“This escape highlights significant gaps in security practices and oversight. We are taking immediate steps to address these issues and restore the integrity of our detention facility,” PPC Rubiang said.
According to a report by Senior Sergeant Elizah Aron, acting OIC CID, the escape was first noticed by members of the public near the police station, who saw several individuals scaling the rear fence.
One witness immediately alerted police. Upon responding, Sgt Aron discovered the main cell door wide open. He called in Chief Sergeant Peo Sampa, OIC CID, and Senior Inspector Nathan Polega, the Police Station Commander. Together, they conducted a detailed investigation confirming that 13 inmates had exited through the unsecured cell door, then made their way approximately 40 meters to the rear of the new Simbu Provincial Police Headquarters, where they scaled the perimeter fence and fled.
The preliminary investigation has been completed, and a special team of detectives has been appointed to pursue Peter Bully and the escapees.