Female body found inside yard of acting prime minister

THE body of a woman was found inside the private premises of acting Prime Minister Sam Abal at Konedobu, NCD, early yesterday morning, The National reports.

While admitting to the discovery, Abal said he had personally called Police Commissioner Tony Wagambie informing him of the incident.

Police have removed the body to the Port Moresby General Hospital morgue and immediate murder investigation into the cause of death and persons involved was underway.

The motive of the killing was not known, but murder had not been ruled out.

Police are also trying to establish the ethnic origin of the deceased.

“The alleged murder took place within the perimeters of my private home,” Abal said in a media statement last night.

“I have directed for normal police process of investigation in establishing the facts surrounding the murder to take place at once.

“I, including my family members, will fully cooperate with police in this investigation. We will not interfere in this case.

“If any of my family members are involved, they will face the full brunt of the law and will not be treated differently as anyone else in similar situations.

“All family members living with me are immediate suspects and are subject to investigation and questioning by police,” the acting prime minister said.

Abal said: “Anyone found to be involved will face the full consequences of the law.

“They will be charged with murder in the same way as another other person in society who has no regard for the value of human life and dignity of a person.

“I will fully cooperate with police during the course of investigations,” Abal said.