Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says the Internal Affairs Unit has been directed to expedite a preliminary investigation into the escape of the five remand prisoners from police custody.
Qiliho says the investigation will look into the conduct and operations of the 25 police officers who were tasked with all aspects of the escorting duties of the five escapees.
Qiliho has labelled the incident as unacceptable and will be taking disciplinary action against the officers who failed to conduct their duties.
The Commissioner will review the preliminary findings of the Internal Affairs investigation before he makes a decision to interdict those responsible without pay.
The five remand prisoners are on the run after escaping from the Suva Courthouse.
Emosi Baledrokadroka, Niko Talemaitoga, Maika Tovagone, Suliano Rokosuka and Jonacani Qalova escaped from the Suva Courthouse Cell Block..
The five are facing charges for their alleged involvement in separate aggravated robberies and are considered to be high risk.
A taskforce is currently searching for the five escapees and members of the public are reminded that it is a criminal offence to harbour prisoners.
Please call Crime Stoppers on 919 if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of the five escapees.
