Dilapidated Infrastructure Blamed For Fatal PNG Prison Escape Attempt

Kaya Selby
RNZ Pacific journalist

The Papua New Guinea
Correctional Service (PNGCS) has confirmed three prisoners
have been killed in the Western Highlands Province while
attempting an escape.

The inmates, who scaled the
fence at Baisu Prison, were shot dead, while five others
were critically injured on Sunday afternoon.

Two other
escapees remain at large.

PNGCS deputy commissioner
David Suagu told RNZ Pacific that attempted prison escapes
are typical during this time of year.

“It’s almost the
same across the country … it happens randomly,” he
said.

“We expect a high rate of escape, especially
towards the later part of the year, and that is something
that we are working towards adrressing.”

He said
infrastructure at Baisu Correctional Institution Services is
in a state of despair, which likely made the escape
possible.

“It’s in a deteriorating state, so
consequently [they went] straight over the
fence.”

Suagu could not confirm whether the escapees
were being held in remand, as has been widely reported by
local media.

Local media has also reported last week
that 38 inmates broke out of Kerevat prison in East New
Britain province and were still at large.

According to
a release
from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby in
March, Baisu’s perimeter fencing “has been affected by
rust, cracking concrete, unstable soil and frequent
waterlogging,” and is in the process of being replaced with
Australia’s help.

According to the World
Prison Brief, Papua New Guinea’s prison population at
5373 as of mid
2023.

© Scoop Media