23 Apr 2003

Soaki murder suspect escapes prison in Honiara

4:02 pm on 23 April 2003

Solomon Islands police have called for calm as they begin to hunt for four dangerous prison escapers.

Four men escaped from the Rove jail in Honiara early this morning.

They include Edmund Sae, a regular police sergeant, who is facing murder charges over the assassination of former police commissioner Sir Frederick Soaki on Malaita ten weeks ago.

Sae eluded police on Malaita for weeks following the killing of Sir Frederick, before being arrested by members of the STAR division.

Police in Auki say residents there should remain calm and let them deal with the escapers.

They have asked the public to help with any information they may have about the four.

Two other escapees are also facing murder charges over unrelated killings.

The fourth had been charged with theft.