Police close in on notorious rapist

The government is distancing itself from the row about the release of Maka Renata who police consider `extremely high-risk'. Photo / Supplied

The Government is distancing itself from the controversy around the prison release of notorious rapist Maka Renata, as police appeared to make progress in their hunt for him yesterday.

Renata, 24, fled from the Christchurch property he was ordered to stay at after his release from prison last month, and is now being sought by police for breaching his release conditions. Police said last night they were following some "reasonably positive lines of inquiry" in the search for Renata.

They have warned that he is at "extremely high" risk of reoffending.

Renata was released under a range of conditions after serving more than 10 years' jail for two rapes, one of committed at 14 while he was in the foster care of serial rapist Dean Hiroki. The other was the rape of his 15-year-old cellmate and best friend.

His release came despite widespread concerns Renata would commit further crimes when free.

Authorities say Renata had to be released by law, but the Sensible Sentencing Trust says the law is an "absolute sham" if there is no room to keep dangerous people in prison.

While Corrections Minister Judith Collins answered questions relating to the release and management of Renata in November, the Government has refused to comment since news of the police hunt for him became public this week.

Mrs Collins has been unavailable, and Duty Minister Pansy Wong said it was not the Government's policy to talk about individual cases or active police inquiries.

After leaving Christchurch, Renata was seen in Manukau on Christmas Eve. He has links to the Wellington area and police believe he is most likely in the North Island.

Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia Le Bas said police had fielded helpful phone calls from the public, but reported sightings of Renata had been "negated".

Renata could face a return to prison for breaching his release conditions, which include completing a reintegration programme, undertaking any counselling or treatment as directed, and having no contact with his victims or anyone aged under 17, unless given written approval.

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SAID

Then
An intensive plan has been put in place to manage this offender's reintegration which involves police. Agencies will be taking every step possible under the law to ensure the safety of the public.

- Corrections Minister Judith Collins, November 2009

Now
It is not this Government's policy to comment on individual cases or active police inquiries. However, I can assure you that the police are doing everything they can to locate this man.

- Duty minister Pansy Wong, yesterday