A former chief of staff to the Papua New Guinea prime minister has been charged with murdering a PNG rugby league legend.
Dr Theo Yasause, part of the highly connected East Sepik political elite, has been charged with the wilful murder of Aquila Emil, Port Moresby Metropolitan Police Commander Joseph Tondop told AAP on Tuesday.
Emil, 44, who played for PNG's national rugby league side the Kumuls, was shot dead in his car near the Lamana night club in Port Moresby early on Friday.
Mr Tondop said Yasause was arrested after he went to the police on Monday afternoon.
"Dr Theo was arrested then charged with one count of wilful murder.
"He is expected to be in court today (Tuesday) to apply for bail and make a plea," he said.
Mr Tondop said Yasause spent the night in custody in a Port Moresby police cell.
Emil was shot with a pistol at close range about 3am local time on Friday following an argument outside the club where both Emil and Yasause had spent the evening.
PNG's Post Courier reports an argument started when their cars collided outside the club.
A woman who was with Emil witnessed the incident.
On Monday, former Newcastle Knights rugby league player, now PNG national selector, Arnold Krewanty said Emil's death was a massive loss for PNG.
"We played footy together and he was a mate and comrade and we both were working on getting a PNG side into the NRL," Mr Krewanty said.
"Aquila had a lot to offer PNG, especially helping the schoolboy rugby league in the capital.
"Rugby league won't get another like this, he gave so much back to the game," he said.
Yasause was chief of staff to Prime Minister Michael Somare in 2007 and 2008 before becoming head of PNG's office of climate change.
He was suspended from this position in 2009 after numerous scandals and allegations of corruption.
A MP Dr. killing a great ambassador of PNG?? this is unacceptable ...the poor ordinary rugby player who spent his life educating children through sports so that they get a life and overcome the pains that these corrupt f**k%%n doctors and leaders have created by running down our country...this Doctor and all those corrupt leaders should be assassinated...RIP A.Emil
ReplyDeleteA trigger happy member of the educated elite now on murder charges and over repairable car damage.... What an insane world when those we expect to be wise have no modicum of wisdom despite their education.
ReplyDeleteLudmilla
This is incredible, shooting someone over a vehicle collison ... or is there more to what the public does not know ?? We have lost a dear brother committed to helping the less fortunate to live a better quality of life .. Now PNG Rugby Leage has lost a committed team player to the senseless salying by one of MS soldier of misfortune in Theo ... Does that not say anything for the Corruption of the ruling party and all those who aspire to support ...shame on you, blame yourselves for allowing all this to happen ... bring on the PNG Ninja's to get rid of the corrupt people, so the everyday people can continue their lives without heartache... God Bless Aquila Emil... Theo should get a reprimand, be granted immunity by the Chief Justice and realised on his own recognition ... you watch, wait and see !!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat the hell to kill a great great sports ambassador, Aquila Emil? Dr Theo Yasause should be punished the same manner as the other murderers. Aquila, you're a great hero and may God almighty bless you.
ReplyDeleteshocked Fan-Portmoresby
both of them are useless drinking kills see one wanted to become rambo and it had to end the life of another citizen dont blame the men blame beer becos beer killed them
ReplyDeleteBeer Hater
FROM THE DETECTIVE
ReplyDeleteTHE REAL STORY IS OUR SO CALLED KUMUL STAR WAS HANGING OUT WITH THE GOOD DOCTORS WIFE SO WTF BECOS OF WOMAN NA MAN DIE . THAT SIMPLE AS THAT EVE GAVE THE APPLE TO ADAM SO THATS IT ITS NOT A ISSUE . THE WOMAN IN THE CAR THAT NIGHT IN THE SO CALLED ROLE MODEK KUMUL STAR WAS THE DR WIFE FROM NORTH SOLOMONS SO THATS WHY IF YOU F...K MY WIFE I HAVE TO F...K YOURS UP TOO.........
KIDNA KILLS ....HANEMBA
No man in his right frame of mind will want to kill over a trivial car scratch or near-miss. The legitimate wife is a trupla meri Bougainville and is not part of this scandal. An alien 'mistress', is the issue... Even that, only God gives life and no-one on this earth has any whatsoever rights to take away the life of another human. This is what the bible says.... sin giving birth to death.For the living soul, you have an opportunity to repent to God Jehovah for forgiveness! Em nau..kidna kills..WIE UNA KWO.
ReplyDeleteKIdna Kills, know the truth first before writing...trupla wife is ..of course NSP and not the one you are talking about being with the deceased...even of that meri was Drs ex whatsover, him as a DR (-kisim save long wanem...wokim saksak na fight na showoff tasol???) would reason out before acting...
ReplyDeleteLooks like another lus lain blo kidna land oh??
Nalix yet
Down under