Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee says the escape of high-profile prisoner Jermaine ‘Skinny’ Charles is “unforgivable and inexcusable” and those culpable will “face the music.”

Rohee made these comments at a press conference yesterday; the first time that he has addressed the public on Charles’s escape on Wednesday last. Though the minister didn’t provide new information on the man’s escape or the hunt for him, he pointed out that the reality is that a high-profile gang member is on the loose. Rohee cautioned against entering into a ‘blame game’ on the issue but he pointed out that “No red herring whatever the shape, form or fashion is acceptable to the administration.”

At a press conference last week, acting Police Commissioner Henry Greene had told reporters that the force was taking the matter seriously and following investigations officers found to be negligent will face interdiction from duty. Greene said negligence was the main cause for Charles’s escape as certain standard procedures may not have been observed. Though he was being held in the lock-ups Charles was not shackled. However, to date Greene has not made it clear whether high-profile prisoners are expected to wear handcuffs or hand and foot cuffs while in the lock-ups.

In response to queries about whether any action has been taken against any officer at the Sparendaam Police Station, Rohee said that the Office of Professional Responsibility is still dealing with the matter and that any such disclosures would be made at the right time. Meanwhile, a police source revealed to this newspaper on Monday that they have received information that the fugitive was spotted in an undisclosed rural location and that they were responding to leads.

As had been reported Charles escaped from the Sparendaam lock-ups after making a court appearance. He crawled under loosened boards in the lock-ups and made his way out of the station unnoticed. Police only realized that he was missing some three hours after his escape.