Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sorcery suspect handed in

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

MOGE Kimnika tribesmen in Western Highlands province have surrendered to the police one of their men wanted in connection with a double murder, The National  reports.

The suspect, who is in custody, was among six people who allegedly killed a man and his son late last month after accusing them of using sorcery to kill one of their tribesmen at Bun village outside Mt Hagen city.

Metropolitan commander Chief Insp Peter Roari said yesterday people had killed their own tribesmen in the province since last year after accusing them of sorcery, but not one suspect had been handed over to the police “even though the killings and torture had taken place in front of many people”.

He said on Monday, the Moge Kimnika tribesmen, led by upcoming leader and businessman Michael Onda, were the first to surrender to the police one of their own tribesmen allegedly involved in the killing of Anis Plak and in causing grievous bodily harm to his father, Plak Dua, who died two weeks later.

Chief Insp Roari said the surrender came about after several meetings the police had with the Moge tribe.

He commended Mr Onda and the community elders for taking the lead in the meetings and surrendering the suspect.

He said the suspect had been charged with two counts of wilful murder and would appear today at the Mt Hagen District Court for mention.

He said the five other suspects were still at large, and hoped they, too, would give themselves up.

Chief Insp Roari said he was happy with the Moge people for showing a good example to other Western Highlanders.

He said this clearly showed that there was good leadership in the Moge Kimnika tribe.

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