Port Vila’s medium-high risk Correctional Centre found itself in the spotlight this week after an inmate escape sparked a brief manhunt — and ended with an arrest at the dock.

Escaped detainee Rano Woka (also referred to as Rona Wako in some reports), originally from Tanna Island, was recaptured today just after lunch while attempting to board the Tanna Ferry, bound for his home island. Officers from the Vanuatu Correctional Services acted swiftly and intercepted Woka before the ferry could depart.

Director of Correctional Services Johnny Marango confirmed the arrest and told VBTC News that Woka will now be transferred to the high-risk facility in Santo, a move that strips him of privileges he previously had access to.

Woka had been on the run since last Wednesday, having escaped from the Port Vila Correctional Centre’s medium-high risk unit. He is currently serving a 4-year prison sentence for threats to kill and unlawful entry.

The initial escape was reported by VBTC News yesterday, with Director Marango acknowledging the incident and confirming that search efforts were underway. Notably, Correctional Services did not release an official photo of the escapee, even after media requests — a decision that likely complicated the public’s ability to assist in the search.

With the escapee now back in custody, attention turns inward. Director Marango has stated that disciplinary actions will be taken against the officers who were on duty at the time of Woka’s escape.

Stay tuned — tomorrow’s Daily Post promises more on this developing story.

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📺 Watch: 7PM News | VBTC Live | TBV
📍 Blogged by: MattDotVu
🗞️ Sources: Daily Post, VBTC News
📷 Image by AI

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Matt’s Take:
If you’re going to escape, don’t hop on the ferry in broad daylight.