While the Kakata prison's security system was down over the weekend, 47 inmates in Liberia took the opportunity to escape from the facility. The country's Ministry of Justice announces that it "will take all necessary measures" to recapture the convicted criminals.
The prison is located east of the capital Monrovia. Additional police forces have been called in for the search, and the authorities are now urging the escapees to surrender to justice, in order to avoid extended sentences.
The public is also urged not to assist the escaped criminals and to remain calm, as well as to report any observations that may be of interest to the police.
The standard is generally low when it comes to West African prisons, with overcrowded facilities, food shortages, and poor sanitary conditions.
