Police are helping hide PNG’s most famous criminal William Kapis: Commander

Bank Robber, William Kapis. Getty Images

A police commander in Papua New Guinea says he’s aware his own officers are assisting notorious bank robber and prison escapee William Kapris to hide in the capital.

William Kapris and accomplice Raphael Walimini escaped from the maximum security Bomana prison in May, using two pistols allegedly smuggled in by a guard.

A reward of A$50,000 is being offered for information that leads to his capture, but police say the public response has been slow.

“We’re getting closer but the problem is our own men are assisting them, these two notorious criminals that are on the run,” Jim Andrews, National Capital District and Central Divisional Commander, said.

“I really want to catch up with these policemen [and] I think I’m getting closer to that."

The senior officer said he believed the two criminals were hiding somewhere in the National Capital District, which includes the capital Port Moresby.

“I have to confirm again today whether he’s in [the National Capital District] or if he’s going out,” Commander Andrews said.

The manhunt for Kapris is being carried out by a joint operation made up of more than 30 members of the police force and correctional services.

William Kapris is well known in PNG for his daring bank robberies and three prison escapes.

Commander Andrews said a female prison guard has been charged for helping Kapris’ latest escape and two other people have been arrested for “aiding” the criminals while on the run.

ABC News