Police on edge after freed rapist does runner

Maka Renata. Photo / Supplied

A man taught to rape at age 14, and described by some as a "timebomb", is on the run after breaching conditions of his release from prison designed to protect the public.

Maka Renata, 24, was freed last month amid widespread concern that he would commit further crimes. Authorities said he had to be released by law.

But critics say the law should allow him to be kept in jail for the sake of public safety.

In November, in response to concerns about Renata's release, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said "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."

When he was released last month, strict release conditions were imposed on him for a period of six months.

These included completing a reintegration programme with an unnamed organisation, living with the organisation at a specified address, undertaking counselling or treatment as directed, and having no contact with his victims or anyone aged 16 or under, unless given written approval.

Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich, who has previously dealt with Renata, says the sooner he is captured, the safer the public will be. "The potential for him offending again is extremely high."

Police were unsure of his exact whereabouts, although he has links to the Wellington region, and an associate was arrested in Picton in Marlborough last month.

"At the moment it's very difficult to determine where to place police to look for him," Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia le Bas told Radio New Zealand this morning.

Family and friends were likely to know of his whereabouts and an exact address or general area would help police, she said.

"It's in everyone's interest that we locate them and he completes his parole conditions," she said.

"He needs to come forward and come back to where he needs to be."

Renata was in and out of foster homes before social workers put him into the care of Mongrel Mob member and serial rapist Dean Hiroki at 14. Renata went on to join Hiroki in raping and robbing a 26-year-old woman at knifepoint in a Wellington alleyway.

Mr Arnerich said yesterday that police were in contact with the victim, and were comfortable she was in no more danger than any other woman in New Zealand.

Renata was sentenced to seven and half years in prison in September 1999.

About 16 months into his term, he was given three more years for the rape of his 15-year-old cellmate and best friend.

Under the law at the time, Renata was due to be released after serving two-thirds of his total sentence. However, concerns about his potential for reoffending led to the Corrections Department obtaining an order requiring him to serve his full sentence.

The Parole Board later said it had no discretion over whether he should be released.

Garth McVicar, of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, said he did not accept that the hands of the Parole Board and Government were tied.

"If we are in a situation where everybody knows they are releasing a dangerous offender and they say there is nothing they can do, it means the justice system ... is an absolute sham.

"[Politicians] change the law overnight in cases where it suits themselves.

"Ultimately, the safety of the public should be the paramount issue."

Mr McVicar said if Renata raped again, tough questions would have to be asked of the Government and officials.

Renata is known to have been in Manukau on Christmas Eve and has links to Wellington.

MAKA RENATA
* At 14, sent by social workers to live with cousin Dean Hiroki, a serial rapist.
* Sentenced to 7 years' jail in 1999 after pleading guilty to raping a 26-year-old Wellington woman with Hiroki.
* Held in prison for maximum time by law because Corrections Department said "he remains likely to commit a specified offence".
* Given three more years for the rape of his 15-year-old cellmate and best friend.
* Public assured by Corrections Minister that an "intensive plan" was in place to manage his reintegration.
* Psychologist warns in November last year that Renata will be back in jail, "probably for a violent crime".
* Released from jail last month. Warrant for arrest issued on December 23 after he breached release conditions.