Chimbu police arrest minister

Guma Wau charged with attempted murder

 

MINISTER for Culture and Tourism Guma Wau has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, The National reports.

Wau is expected to appear before the Kundiawa District Court today.

He is charged with the alleged shooting of a 50-year-old man from his Kerowagi district in Chimbu.

Police investigators in Kundiawa formally arrested the government minister after questioning him for almost an hour where Wau had admitted to firing the shots.

He was detained at the Kundiawa police station before being released on his own recognition.

Chimbu provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop confirmed the arrest of the culture and tourism minister yesterday.

He said police were carrying out their normal duties and would assist the court to ensure normal procedures were followed.

Police have confiscated Wau’s licenced Magnum pistol, which was allegedly used in the shooting.

An earlier attempt to question the MP over the incident did not eventuate as he was attending the last parliament sitting, and being involved in the political horse-trading, which resulted in him being given the culture and tourism ministry.

Wau, a member of the United Resource Party, allegedly shot John Agaundo, 50, from Urinigle village in Kerowagi between 6.30pm and 7pm on June 13 as he was coming out of his house to help the MP and his tribesmen who were engaged in a confrontation with locals on the road.

Augando, when contacted over the weekend, said he wanted to see justice done and applauded the Kundiawa police for arresting and charging the minister.