Two teenagers who escaped from an Auckland youth justice facility on Saturday night broke through a reinforced window, initial enquiries indicate.
Convicted murderer Haami Hanara, 16, and Sean Ratu, 17, are believed to have escaped through the window of Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Residence before fleeing across a roof, according to Youth Justice Service deputy chief executive Allan Boreham. Initial inquiries into their escape suggest the teens then took off through the staff car park.
Korowai Manaaki staff became aware of the escape at 9:30pm.
"We are still investigating the timing and details, but can confirm our staff searched the perimeter and called the police when the teenagers could not be found," Boreham said in a statement to Newshub.
Neither of the teenagers has escaped from a youth justice residence in the past, Boreham said, although Ratu has previously absconded from a community-based placement.
Relatives of Hanara's victim were notified of the 16-year-old's escape by police before the breakout was made public.
In a statement, Counties Manukau Police detective senior sergeant Albie Alexander confirmed that authorities are pursuing a number of enquiries to locate the convicted murderer.
"We want to reassure our communities that every effort is being made to locate these individuals," Alexander said.
"Anyone who may be assisting Hanara in evading police are warned that they could face criminal charges themselves.
"My message to Hanara is to do the right thing and hand yourself in to the nearest police station."
Hanara was sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing homeless man Kelly Donner to death in Flaxmere, Hastings, in 2018. He was just 14 at the time of the murder.
The altercation ensued when Henara and his friends - all aged between 14 and 16 - refused to give Donner back his torch. Bottles were thrown by both parties and a fight spilled into the yard of a local pub.
Hanara stabbed Donner four times, twice in his neck and once each in his shoulder and chest. The group of teens continued to beat and kick Donner as he lay on the ground.
The Korowai Manaaki facility houses young people who have "active or proven charges in the courts", including those convicted in the District or High Court, Boreham explained.
Youth deemed as vulnerable are considered to be "better managed" in a Youth Justice residence as opposed to prison. Each young person is assessed by a team of professionals to ensure the residence is the most suitable place for them and the community.
Anyone who may encounter Hanara is urged to call 111 immediately. Police ask civilians not to approach the 16-year-old as he is considered dangerous.
People who may have information on his whereabouts can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
