Kapris granted bid to return to Bomana

THE state’s infamous prisoner, William Nanua Kapris, is heading back to Port Moresby, at taxpayers’ expense, because of alleged death threats at the Beon jail in Madang, The National reports.

The order by Justice David Cannings this week meant that the state would fund Kapris’ transfer from Beon to the maximum security unit at Bomana.

Kapris was flown to Madang two months ago to answer to charges that he was the mastermind in the K2 million-odd robbery of Bank South Pacific Madang branch on July 5, 2008. He is also wanted for questioning over two other BSP robberies.

Cannings had allowed Kapris, a convicted rapist and habitual escapee, to leave Beon because his life could be in danger, following an application by counsel David Dotaona.

There had been suggestions that there were plans to kill Kapris at Beon, according to jail bosses. Added to the uncertainty about his safety was an ongoing discontent by Beon warders over payments for providing extra security for Kapris and 13 other co-accused.

The court would rule on this on Feb 1 but, in the meantime, it ordered Correctional Services Commissioner Richard Sikani to facilitate Kapris’ transfer “with the time and method to be determined by the commissioner”.

Cannings also ordered that Kapris be released from separate confinement at Beon to another holding – not the main compound – and be allowed four hours daily exercise with access to reading materials and newspapers.