Pacific / Papua New Guinea

PNG prison guards suspended after prisoners escape

11:28 am on 24 October 2019

Five prison guards have been suspended in Papua New Guinea for helping prisoners escape from a Port Moresby jail.

Bomana Correctional Facility, Papua New Guinea Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

Investigations by the Correctional Service found the guards helped 11 inmates escape separately from Bomana prison, the Post Courier reports.

A commissioner for the service, Stephen Pokanis, said several reasons had been identified for the guards' actions.

Mr Pokanis said conflict over positions led to guards assisting with escapes so their commanders would be blamed and removed.

Anger with prison management was another motivation, as was financial gain, he said.

The five guards are due to appear before the prison's disciplinary board.