6 SUSPENDED OVER ESCAPE
SIX Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) officers have been suspended on half pay following the escape of three inmates more than a week ago.
The three escapees, Frank Firimolea, Dilo Faiga and Willie Olo, are still at large.
CSII Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi confirmed the action taken.He said on Tuesday he issued a letter of interdiction to three senior officers, two supervisors and a Correctional officer.
This is in regard to negligence of CSSI procedures and protocols that prompted the three inmates to escape on December 14.
“The decision came after a week of investigation conducted by RSIPF Professional Standards Internal Investigation (PSII) and CSSI Professional Standard Unit (PSU),” Manelusi said.
“The investigation found clear breaches of gross negligence on CSSI procedures,” he added.
“I feel very confident and wish to assure the general public on how the joint investigation team professionally conducted its work.
“I appeal to the general public if you have any information to support the investigation then you may come forward or contact my Professional Standard unit on office phone 24018.”
Manelusi said he suspended the officers concerned according to the power conferred on him under the Correctional Service ACT 2007 and Section 40 and 41 of the CSSI regulation 2008.
He said the suspension will remain pending the outcome of any criminal charges or any disciplinary process under the CSSI Act & Regulation 2007/2008.
“Officers must also be aware the Correctional Act and CSSI Regulation provides that suspended CSSI officers shall remain subject to all provisions of the Act, Regulation, Code of Conduct, Discipline and penalties and the same authority and disciplines as if not suspended except powers vested in you as CSSI Officer shall be in in abeyance during the period, unless the Commissioner orders otherwise.”
The three escapees were believed to have climbed over the heavily-barbed wire security fence at the southern side towards the Honiara Botanical garden.
